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.