Complementary Distribution PDF

COMPLEMENTARY DISTRIBUTION — Allophones of a single phoneme are typically in complementary distribution with each other, meaning that the allophones occur in distinct, non-overlapping environments — Given the sound environment, we can predict which of the two allophones will appear. For example, t...

COMPLEMENTARY DISTRIBUTION — Allophones of a single phoneme are typically in complementary distribution with each other, meaning that the allophones occur in distinct, non-overlapping environments — Given the sound environment, we can predict which of the two allophones will appear. For example, think back to the Japanese example with [s] and [ʃ]. These sounds are in complementary distribution in Japanese; we can predict that [ʃ] will always appear preceding an [i] instead of [s]. 25 COMPLEMENTARY DISTRIBUTION In our phonology problems, when two sounds are in complementary distribution: — These sounds will never form minimal pairs. — If we swap one for another, the word may end up sounding weird, but no change in meaning will result. — Each allophone will appear in a predictable phonetic environment. — They are allophones of the same phoneme 26 PUTTING COMPLEMENTARY DISTRIBUTION TO USE — English: Are [i] and [ĩ] allophones of different phonemes or of a single phoneme? [bi] be [sid] seed [nit] neat [did] deed [.n] [kĩn] [bĩn] [grĩn] teen keen bean green — First, look for minimal pairs. — What does this result suggest about [i] and [ĩ] ? — We may have allophones of the same phoneme. 27 27 PUTTING COMPLEMENTARY DISTRIBUTION TO USE [bi] be [sid] seed [nit] neat [did] deed [.n] teen [kĩn] [bĩn] [grĩn] keen bean green Next, list the specific environments in which we find the different allophones. I’ve started the process for you. [i] b_ s_d n_t d_d [ĩ] t_n k_n b_n r_n 28 28 PUTTING COMPLEMENTARY DISTRIBUTION TO USE [i] [ĩ] b_ t_n s_d k_n n_t b_n d_d r_n Finally, look at the lists of environments you have created. We have a complementary distribution à allophones of the same phoneme Can you make any observations about when each of the allophones appears? We can describe this distribution. Often, one of the allophones appears in a very specific environment, while the other appears everywhere else. For the example above, we can say: — [ĩ] appears _____________________; [i] appears elsewhere. 29 29