LINGUIST List 15.3603
Thu Dec 30 2004
Diss: Phonetics/Phonology: Sands: 'Patternings...'
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1. Kathy
Sands,
Patternings of Vocalic Sequences in the World's Languages
Message 1: Patternings of Vocalic Sequences in the World's Languages
Date: 28-Dec-2004
From: Kathy Sands <Kathy_Sandssil.org>
Subject: Patternings of Vocalic Sequences in the World's Languages
Institution: University of California, Santa Barbara
Program: Linguistics Department
Dissertation Status: Completed
Degree Date: 2004
Author: Kathy Lorraine Sands
Dissertation Title: Patternings of Vocalic Sequences in the World's Languages
Linguistic Field(s): Phonetics
Phonology
Typology
Dissertation Director(s):
Carol Genetti
Matthew Gordon
Ian Maddieson
Dissertation Abstract:
The sequencing of vowels and glides in the world's languages is clearly not
arbitrary. Some vocalic sequences occur with great frequency, others rarely, and
some not at all. The objectives of this research are to determine patternings of
vocalic sequences in the world?s languages and to provide explanation for these
patternings on the basis of phonetic and phonological motivations. Two
interwoven sonority principles and two principles of Dispersion Theory provide
the theoretical context of explanation.
Most studies of vocalic sequences have focused on diphthongs in a single
language, investigating questions unrelated to sequencing. Prior cross-
linguistic studies of patternings are few, with limitations in database scope, size,
or reliability. This study makes a unique contribution in its typological approach
and breadth of scope. It examines patterns across languages in a representative
database of forty-two languages constructed for this purpose. It transcends
various diphthong definitions, extends beyond vowels to include glides, and
extends beyond diphthongs to include triphthongs. The inclusion of these
trivocalics is a particular strength, providing a unique window on the expanded
possibilities of patternings over three positions.
The primary patterns are as follows: (1) At least one member of each pair of
adjacent vocalics is high, with trivocalic "edge" positions occupied by high
vocalics; (2) sequences of back rounded vocalics are dispreferred; (3) trivocalics
which alternate in backness are dispreferred; (4) the middle element of
trivocalics matches the following vocalic in backness; (5) sequences which
maximize acoustic distance overall are most preferred.
We find that the strongest principle underlying these patterns is the Dispersion
Theory principle of maximizing distinctiveness. The more distinctive the vocalics
are from one another, the better. While both sonority and effort considerations
clearly have an effect in shaping the patternings of vocalic sequences, the best
sequences are those which are most salient for the listener.
This study establishes that Dispersion Theory principles are operative in
syntagmatic data (vowel sequences) as well as in paradigmatic data (vowel
inventories). This study also suggests that the sonority findings encapsulated by
the Sonority Dispersion Principle may in fact reflect a broader pattern across the
syllable, a 'Distinctiveness Dispersion Principle.'
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