Phonology is “the science of the study of speech sounds” (Swadesh 1934: 43). In order to classify distinct speech sounds, the manners and places of articulation play an important role. Places of articulation are for instance, bilabial or labiodental. Manners of articulation are for instance, plosive or fricative. As they help to define a sound in more detail, they express phonemic contrasts. Consequently, within this linguistic study, sounds are observed for their articulatory, acoustic and auditory features. Such characteristics are important to provide phonetic descriptions of sounds (Giegerich 1992: 112). Thus, the examination of human speech sounds during the process of their production is essential in phonology.
The English language consists of 26 consonant phonemes (Giegerich 1992: 113). However, in this linguistic paper only the category of the nasal stops will be closely discussed. The first section will deal with the general features of nasal stops. Nasals and non-nasals will be distinguished by explaining the main articulatory and auditory quality of nasals; and by underlining the main class features of sonorants, noncontinuants and consonantals. The second section will take a closer look at the three nasal consonants [m], [n] and [ŋ]. There will be a special focus on the velar nasal [ŋ]. It has a unique role within the category of the nasals. The third and last section will finally underline this function. At this point, two different treatments of the velar nasal [ŋ], from Sapir and Chomsky, will be presented.
Table of Contents
- 1. INTRODUCTION
- 2. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NASALS
- 2.1. NONNASALS AND NASALS
- 2.2. ARTICULATORY AND ACOUSTIC FEATURES
- 2.3. SONORANTS, NONCONTINUANTS AND CONSONANTALS
- 3. HOW MANY NASALS DOES ENGLISH HAVE?
- 3.1. THE BILABIAL NASAL /M/
- 3.2. THE ALVEOLAR NASAL /N/
- 3.3. THE VELAR NASAL /ŋ/
- 4. DIFFERENT TREATMENTS OF THE VELAR NASAL /ŋ/ BY SAPIR AND CHOMSKY
- 4.1. EDWARD SAPIR
- 4.2. NOAM CHOMSKY
- 4.2.1. LINGUISTIC EXAMPLES FOR THE THREE LEVELS OF ADEQUACY
- 5. CONCLUSION
Objectives and Key Themes
This linguistic paper aims to analyze the English nasal consonants, focusing on their articulatory and acoustic properties, and comparing different theoretical treatments of the velar nasal /ŋ/. The paper will first establish the general characteristics distinguishing nasals from non-nasals, then examine the three English nasal consonants individually, and finally contrast the approaches of Sapir and Chomsky to the analysis of the velar nasal.
- Articulatory and acoustic features of English nasal consonants.
- Distinction between nasals and non-nasals.
- Unique characteristics of the velar nasal /ŋ/.
- Comparison of Sapir's and Chomsky's analyses of /ŋ/.
- Phonetic description of speech sounds.
Chapter Summaries
1. INTRODUCTION: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by defining phonology as the study of speech sounds and highlighting the importance of articulation and acoustics in classifying sounds. It introduces the focus of the paper: a detailed examination of English nasal consonants, particularly the velar nasal /ŋ/. The chapter outlines the structure of the paper, previewing the sections that will delve into the general characteristics of nasals, the specific features of the three English nasals, and contrasting analyses of the velar nasal /ŋ/ by Sapir and Chomsky.
2. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NASALS: This chapter distinguishes between nasal and non-nasal sounds based on the position of the velum during articulation. Non-nasal sounds involve a raised velum, blocking off the nasal cavity and directing airflow through the oral cavity. Conversely, nasal sounds are produced with a lowered velum, allowing airflow through both the oral and nasal cavities. The chapter further details the articulatory and acoustic features of nasals, comparing them to plosives and highlighting the absence of a noise component and the presence of a characteristic low-frequency murmur in nasal sounds. It establishes the framework for understanding the unique properties of English nasal consonants.
3. HOW MANY NASALS DOES ENGLISH HAVE?: This section focuses on the three English nasal consonants: /m/, /n/, and /ŋ/. Each phoneme is briefly discussed, emphasizing their articulation and positioning within the broader context of English phonology. The chapter lays groundwork for the deeper examination of the velar nasal /ŋ/ in the following section, highlighting its particular significance and unique role amongst English nasal sounds.
4. DIFFERENT TREATMENTS OF THE VELAR NASAL /ŋ/ BY SAPIR AND CHOMSKY: This chapter compares and contrasts the analyses of the velar nasal /ŋ/ by Edward Sapir and Noam Chomsky. It explores their differing theoretical frameworks and how they account for the complexities of this sound within the English language. This section examines their approaches to the levels of adequacy in linguistic analysis, utilizing linguistic examples to illustrate the differences in their methods and conclusions regarding the velar nasal.
Keywords
English nasals, phonology, articulation, acoustics, velum, /m/, /n/, /ŋ/, Sapir, Chomsky, phonetic description, speech sounds, nasal stops, non-nasals.
FAQ: Analysis of English Nasal Consonants
What is the main topic of this linguistic paper?
This paper analyzes English nasal consonants, focusing on their articulatory and acoustic properties. It compares different theoretical treatments of the velar nasal /ŋ/, contrasting the approaches of Sapir and Chomsky.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the articulatory and acoustic features of English nasal consonants; the distinction between nasals and non-nasals; the unique characteristics of the velar nasal /ŋ/; a comparison of Sapir's and Chomsky's analyses of /ŋ/; and a phonetic description of speech sounds.
What are the general characteristics of nasal consonants?
Nasal consonants are produced with a lowered velum, allowing airflow through both the oral and nasal cavities. This contrasts with non-nasal sounds, where a raised velum blocks the nasal cavity, directing airflow solely through the oral cavity. Nasals lack a noise component and have a characteristic low-frequency murmur.
How many nasal consonants are there in English, and which ones are they?
English has three nasal consonants: /m/ (bilabial), /n/ (alveolar), and /ŋ/ (velar).
What is the focus of the chapter on the velar nasal /ŋ/?
This chapter compares and contrasts the analyses of the velar nasal /ŋ/ by Edward Sapir and Noam Chomsky, examining their differing theoretical frameworks and how they account for the complexities of this sound within the English language. It explores their approaches to the levels of adequacy in linguistic analysis, using linguistic examples to illustrate the differences in their methods and conclusions.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper begins with an introduction defining phonology and outlining the paper's structure. It then explores the general characteristics of nasals, followed by an individual examination of the three English nasal consonants. Finally, it compares Sapir and Chomsky's analyses of the velar nasal /ŋ/ and concludes with a summary of findings.
What are the key words associated with this paper?
Key words include: English nasals, phonology, articulation, acoustics, velum, /m/, /n/, /ŋ/, Sapir, Chomsky, phonetic description, speech sounds, nasal stops, non-nasals.
What is the purpose of the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide concise overviews of the content and key findings of each section of the paper, allowing the reader to quickly grasp the main points of each chapter.
What is the significance of comparing Sapir and Chomsky's analyses?
Comparing Sapir and Chomsky's analyses highlights the different theoretical approaches to understanding the complexities of the velar nasal /ŋ/ and showcases the evolution of linguistic thought in analyzing speech sounds.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Fabienne Koller (Autor:in), 2007, The English nasals, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/93945
