LINGUIST List 2.342

Wednesday, 10 July 1991

Qs: Engl diacritics, Phonological Rules

Editor for this issue: <>

Directory

1. , traditional English pronouncing diacritics
2. Vicki Fromkin, Re: Phonological Rules
3. Vicki Fromkin, more queries

I need software to display/edit macron & breve (long- & short-signs)
with A,E,I,O,U,Y (capitals too if possible) & a macron on a W -- for
a PC preferably, but would buy a Mac if only it could do. A kludge
would do, but I then need camera ready copy that looks 'right'. Journal
editors on Mac's have drawn them in by hand (ugly) or tugged & nudged
its graphic capabilities (time-consuming & never quite alligned), & both
methods are out for a big project.
Also need circumflex & diaeresis, but they are fairly standard. WORST,
I also need macron & breve that stretch over 2 letters, as long-OO, &c.
Why? It is possible to make a multi-dialectal phonological represent-
ation that makes good linguistic sense, & collapses into superficial
phonemic representations of most dialects. It is nearly isomorphic to
the traditional system (see Concise English Dict), so I don't want to
use an entire new set of symbols. Ron Hofmann

Sorry I can't help out with answers to these queries but I do have one
of my own.
QUERY: First a big thank you to all of you out there who responded so
magnificently to my request for examples of circumfixing in languages.
You will see many of the languages and examples in Intro to Ling 5th
edition in text or exercises. You were so responsive that I now have
another request. (See what happens when you are all so helpful!)
I need language examples of synchronic dissimilation phonological rules.
I will be eternally grateful for any you can provide.
This LINGUIST NET is fantastic!!!! My delight in our field has been
enhanced manifold by seeing how committed we all are and involved and
helpful and amusing and concerned. Thnak you again and especially
to Anthony Aristar and Helen Dry. Vicki Fromkin

This is an addendum to my last request for information and more importantly
examples of dissimilation from any languages anyone knows to help
the students using or who will be using the revised Intro text.
Other kinds of phonological processes -- assimilation, metathesis,
insertion, deletion, -- from any languages would be most welcome.
Enough examples for exercises if you have them handy. Please don't
go to any serious trouble -- after all you won't be getting any royalties.
But you will get your name in print. (which won't even buy you a cup of
coffee) And you will have my everlasting gratitude, for whatever that
is worth.
I would like to include more languages. I think that is very
important for students being introduced to the study of language, languages,
and linguistics. And the first four editions used up what languages I
know anything about.
So another thank you -- whether or not I get any response. I still feel
grateful to know you are all out there filled with all this great
knowledge about human language(s).
 Vicki Fromkin