(a) The Igbira prefix 'T' alternates between [me-] and [ma-], which is determined by the type of vowel occurring in the following morpheme. (i) Describe how [e] and [a] in the pref... (a) The Igbira prefix 'T' alternates between [me-] and [ma-], which is determined by the type of vowel occurring in the following morpheme. (i) Describe how [e] and [a] in the prefix 'T' are in complementary distribution within the words. (ii) Provide the distinctive features shared by [e] and [a] that characterize the sound category and basic phonetic properties of the vowel phoneme in the prefix 'T'. (iii) Write one rule for deriving [e] and another rule for deriving [a] from the vowel phoneme in the prefix 'T'. (iv) Write a general rule that combines the two rules in (a-iii) and name the category of the rule.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for a linguistic analysis of the Igbira language prefix, specifically concerning the complementary distribution of vowels in morphemes. It consists of four parts: describing vowel alternation, identifying distinctive features, formulating derivation rules, and combining those rules.
Answer
(i) [e] before closed vowels, [a] before open. (ii) Both front vowels. (iii) Vowel-specific derivation rules. (iv) General rule: vowel harmony.
(i) [e] occurs before closed vowels, while [a] occurs before open vowels. (ii) Both [e] and [a] belong to the front vowel category, but [e] is a mid vowel, and [a] is an open vowel. (iii) [e] is derived before [C+close] vowels: [e] → [C+close]. [a] is derived before [C+open] vowels: [a] → [C+open]. (iv) The rule is vowel harmony: T → {me-/ma-} / {C+close/C+open}.
Answer for screen readers
(i) [e] occurs before closed vowels, while [a] occurs before open vowels. (ii) Both [e] and [a] belong to the front vowel category, but [e] is a mid vowel, and [a] is an open vowel. (iii) [e] is derived before [C+close] vowels: [e] → [C+close]. [a] is derived before [C+open] vowels: [a] → [C+open]. (iv) The rule is vowel harmony: T → {me-/ma-} / {C+close/C+open}.
More Information
Complementary distribution in phonology refers to the appearance of sounds in mutually exclusive environments, allowing for prediction based on context.
Tips
Confusing complementary distribution with contrastive distribution can lead to errors. Focus on vowel placement and surrounding sounds.
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