Analyzing Sound Patterns An Introduction to Phonology

Introduction

In Chapter 6, we analyzed Tibetan numerals. We showed that identifying the internal morphemic boundary of complex numerals such as jugjig ‘eleven’ was not as straightforward as it first appeared. Two ways of parsing jugjig ‘eleven’ and other complex numerals presented themselves: (a) jug-jig or (b) ju-gjig. In (a), g is analyzed as part of the morpheme meaning ‘ten.’ In (b), it is treated as part of the morpheme ‘one.’ Determining which morpheme this consonant belongs to, that is, identifying the morphemic boundary in complex numerals requires analyses. We see that an otherwise straightforward morphological process of compounding is rendered opaque by a phonological process of initial consonant cluster simplification, obscuring the morphemic boundary in complex numerals. In analyzing alternation as a phonological phenomenon, linguists often start by determining the morphemic structure or composition of complex morphological forms. That is, linguists conduct what is referred to as the Morphemic Analysis. Only by establishing the phonetic makeup of morphemes through a morphemic analysis can we determine whether a morpheme alternates and what triggers the alternation. This chapter introduces a problem that requires a morphemic analysis. This analysis reveals an alternation that involves the stems, with each stem exhibiting four distinct phonetic forms or pronunciations. We compare two approaches to the analysis of this problem and show that only one unearths the patterns that underlie the stem alternation. This problem comes from Tonkawa, an American Indian language spoken in Texas.

This chapter has four key objectives. First, it introduces yet another case of phonological alternation. Unlike the alternations we discussed in the two preceding chapters, this alternation illustrates in a more dramatic way the extent to which a morpheme might alternate. It is more complex in that it involves not just one phonological process. Consequently, it requires more untangling. Second, this chapter introduces the Morphemic Analysis and develops your ability to conduct the Morphemic Analysis. Third, this chapter strengthens your ability to analyze phonological alternation as a phenomenon. In particular, it highlights the types of arguments phonologists often advance in support of a particular analysis. Lastly, this chapter reinforces your understanding of distinctive features and the role they play in the expression of natural classes and phonologically significant generalizations.