The representation of voicing contrasts (1996)

Abstract

In this thesis the representation of voicing contrasts is explored. The central claim of the thesis is that voicing contrasts that are phonetically similar can arise from several distinct phonological representations. For example, it is argued that a segment phonetically realized as voiced bilabial stop ( (b)) may arise from several distinct phonological representations. This segment may be a laryngeally voiced sound, involving the activation of the feature (voice), a dependent of the Laryngeal node in the segmental tree. On the other hand, it may also be a sonorant sound, resulting from the activation of the SV (Sonorant Voicing) node in the segmental tree, a node that is argued to be distinct from the Laryngeal node. As well, there is a third possible representational source for this segment: it may be the result of what I term 'contextual voicing'. A contextually voiced segment is one that has neither a Laryngeal node nor an SV node. Such segments generally surface as voiced when surrounded by other voiced sounds. In the first two chapters, I outline the theory of SV sounds and a theory of enhancement that allows for minimal specification at the underlying level. In chapter three, I present a typology of laryngeal systems, arguing that the number of different laryngeal systems found in the languages of the world is constrained by the organization of features under the Laryngeal node. In chapters 4 and 5, I present empirical support for the model of segment structure presented in the first three chapters. A variety of languages that show within-sonorant assimilations are analyzed. As well, some problematic laryngeal systems (in particular, Dutch and Turkish) are explored and it is shown that the theory allows for fresh insights into systems in which the stops and the fricatives behave differently with respect to processes involving voicing. In the concluding chapter an analysis of a variety of consonantal alternations in Northern Turkic languages is presented. Here we see strong support for all aspects of the theory presented in the preceding chapters.

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