2. Phonological processes, phonological rules and distinctive features A  B / X_Y

2.1 Assimilation

Nasalization, dentalization, and velarization are all instances of assimilation, a process by which one sound takes on some or all the characteristics of a neighboring sound. If a following sound is influencing a preceding sound, we call it regressive assimilation. The converse process, in which a preceding sound is influencing a following sound, is known as progressive assimilation.

English Fricative Devoicing

/v/  [f] /z/  [s] etc. Nasalization rule: Dentalization rule: voiced fricative  voiceless / ____ voiceless Nasalization rule: [-nasal]  [+nasal] / ____ [+nasal] Dentalization rule: [-dental]  [dental] / ____ [dental] Velarization rule: [-velar]  [+velar] / ____ [+velar]

2.2 Epenthesis, rule ordering and the Elsewhere Condition a hotel, a boy, a use, a wagon, a big man, a yellow rug, a white house an apple, an honor, an orange curtain, an old lady Epenthesis (Insertion) Rule:

Plurals in English

a. The [] appears after voiceless sounds. b. The [] appears after voiced sounds. c. The [] appears after sibilants. //  [] / [–voice, C] _____ (Devoicing)   [] / [+sibilant] _____ [] (Epenthesis)

Rule ordering

The Elsewhere Condition The more specific rule applies first.