Phonemes and

Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials

Introduction

Aspiration in
English

Phonemes and Allophones Phonemes and

Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
Supplementary Readings Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials
Supplementary Readings
Handouts

Introduction

Aspiration in
English
The following readings have been posted to the Moodle Phonemes and
course site: Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

I Contemporary Linguistics: Chapter 3 (pp. 59-69) Complementary
Distribution
I Language Files: Chapter 3.1 (pp. 101-108) Summary
 Phonemes and
Handouts for This Lecture Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials
Supplementary Readings
Handouts

Introduction

Aspiration in
For this lecture, you should have printed out the following English

handout, which was posted to the course website: Phonemes and

Allophones
I Important Vocabulary Items for Phonology Minimal Pairs and
Complementary
Distribution

Summary
(Definitely make sure to have it for next time!)
 Phonemes and
A Review of Where We Are Allophones

The Fundamental Question: Readings and

Other Materials
What are the rules and mental representations that
Introduction
underlie our ability to speak and understand a language?
Aspiration in
English

Last Class: Phonemes and

Allophones
I There are rules that affect the pronunciation of words. Minimal Pairs and
Complementary
I The study of these rules is phonology. Distribution

Summary
I There is a phonological rule for breaking down words
into syllables (syllabification).
 Phonemes and
A Review of Where We Are Allophones

The Fundamental Question: Readings and

Other Materials
What are the rules and mental representations that
Introduction
underlie our ability to speak and understand a language?
Aspiration in
English

Last Class: Phonemes and

Allophones
I There are rules that affect the pronunciation of words. Minimal Pairs and
Complementary
I The study of these rules is phonology. Distribution

Summary
I There is a phonological rule for breaking down words
into syllables (syllabification).

This Class:
There are phonological rules that affect the
pronunciation of single, individual phones.
 Phonemes and
A Review of Where We Are Allophones

The Fundamental Question: Readings and

Other Materials
What are the rules and mental representations that
Introduction
underlie our ability to speak and understand a language?
Aspiration in
English

Last Class: Phonemes and

Allophones
I There are rules that affect the pronunciation of words. Minimal Pairs and
Complementary
I The study of these rules is phonology. Distribution

Summary
I There is a phonological rule for breaking down words
into syllables (syllabification).

This Class:
There are phonological rules that affect the
pronunciation of single, individual phones.
I To show you this, I need to show you how weve been
oversimplifying IPA until now...
 Phonemes and
An Oversimplification Revealed Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials

Introduction
Right now, wed transcribe these words as follows: Aspiration in
English
The Facts
top [tAp] cop [kAp] pop [pAp] The Rule

stool [stul] school [skul] spool [spul] Phonemes and

Allophones
eat [it] eke [ik] eep [ip] Minimal Pairs and
Complementary
Distribution
Under this transcription: Summary
I All the words in the 1st column share a sound: [t]
I All the words in the 2nd column share a sound: [k]
I All the words in the 3rd column share a sound: [p]
 Phonemes and
An Oversimplification Revealed Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials
Right now, wed transcribe these words as follows: Introduction

Aspiration in
top [tAp] cop [kAp] pop [pAp] English
The Facts

stool [stul] school [skul] spool [spul] The Rule

eat [it] eke [ik] eep [ip] Phonemes and

Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Problem: Distribution
The actual t-sounds in the 1st column are a bit different Summary
from each other.
I Put your hand in front of your mouth and say top.
I Theres a strong burst of air when you say the t.
I This burst isnt there when you say stool and eat.
 Phonemes and
An Oversimplification Revealed Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials
Right now, wed transcribe these words as follows: Introduction

Aspiration in
top [tAp] cop [kAp] pop [pAp] English
The Facts

stool [stul] school [skul] spool [spul] The Rule

Phonemes and
eat [it] eke [ik] eep [ip] Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Problem: Distribution
The actual k-sounds in the 2nd column are a bit different Summary

from each other.

I Put your hand in front of your mouth and say cop.
I Theres a strong burst of air when you say the c.
I This burst isnt there with school and eke.
 Phonemes and
An Oversimplification Revealed Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials
Right now, wed transcribe these words as follows: Introduction

Aspiration in
top [tAp] cop [kAp] pop [pAp] English
The Facts

stool [stul] school [skul] spool [spul] The Rule

eat [it] eke [ik] eep [ip] Phonemes and

Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Problem: Distribution
The actual p-sounds in the 3rd column are a bit different Summary
from each other.
I Put your hand in front of your mouth and say pop.
I Theres a strong burst of air when you say the p.
I This burst isnt there when you say spool and eep.
 Phonemes and
Aspiration Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials
Vocabulary:
Introduction
The strong burst of air when you pronounce [t]/[k]/[p] in
Aspiration in
top/cop/pop is called aspiration. English
The Facts
The Rule

IPA Representation: Phonemes and

Allophones
Aspiration on a consonant C is represented in IPA by a Minimal Pairs and
superscripted h (Ch ). Complementary
Distribution

Summary
Therefore the following is a more accurate transcription of
the words we saw before:
top [th Ap] cop [kh Ap] pop [ph Ap]
stool [stul] school [skul] spool [spul]
eat [it] eke [ik] eep [ip]
 Phonemes and
Aspiration and Phonology Allophones

Readings and
Key Observation: Other Materials

English speakers dont just aspirate any old consonant they Introduction

want. Aspiration in
English
The Facts
I Normal pronunciation requires aspiration to be on [t] in The Rule

top Phonemes and

Allophones
I Normal pronunciation requires no aspiration on [t] in Minimal Pairs and
Complementary
stool and eat. Distribution

Summary

Conclusion:
Part of knowing English is knowing where aspiration can (and
must) go.

Question:
How is this information represented in our brains?
 Phonemes and
Towards the Aspiration Rule Allophones

Readings and
Wrong Hypothesis: Other Materials

Maybe we just memorize it on a word-by-word basis? Introduction

I When we learn a word like cop, we learn: Aspiration in

English
I The phones that compose it: [kAp] The Facts
The Rule
I Whether any phones are aspirated: [kh Ap] Phonemes and
Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
Towards the Aspiration Rule Allophones

Readings and
Wrong Hypothesis: Other Materials

Maybe we just memorize it on a word-by-word basis? Introduction

I When we learn a word like cop, we learn: Aspiration in

English
I The phones that compose it: [kAp] The Facts
The Rule
I Whether any phones are aspirated: [kh Ap] Phonemes and
Allophones

Problem for Wrong Hypothesis: Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
English speakers know where aspiration must go in Distribution

Summary
words theyve never heard before.
I Read the following words to yourselves silently.

torble corble porble

stib skib spib
ort ork orp
 Phonemes and
Towards the Aspiration Rule Allophones

Readings and
Wrong Hypothesis: Other Materials

Maybe we just memorize it on a word-by-word basis? Introduction

I When we learn a word like cop, we learn: Aspiration in

English
I The phones that compose it: [kAp] The Facts
The Rule
I Whether any phones are aspirated: [kh Ap] Phonemes and
Allophones

Problem for Wrong Hypothesis: Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
English speakers know where aspiration must go in Distribution

Summary
words theyve never heard before.
I Now say them with your hand in front of your mouth

torble corble porble

stib skib spib
ort ork orp
 Phonemes and
Towards the Aspiration Rule Allophones

Readings and
Wrong Hypothesis: Other Materials

Maybe we just memorize it on a word-by-word basis? Introduction

I When we learn a word like cop, we learn: Aspiration in

English
I The phones that compose it: [kAp] The Facts
The Rule
I Whether any phones are aspirated: [kh Ap] Phonemes and
Allophones

Problem for Wrong Hypothesis: Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
English speakers know where aspiration must go in Distribution

Summary
words theyve never heard before.
I You probably pronounced them as follows:

torble [th Obl] corble [kh Obl] porble [ph Obl]

" " "
stib [stIb] skib [skIb] spib [spIb]
ort [Ot] ork [Ok] orp [Op]
 Phonemes and
Towards the Aspiration Rule Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials

Introduction
Conclusion: Aspiration in
I Since youd never heard those made-up words before... English
The Facts

I Your knowledge of where aspiration goes couldnt have The Rule

Phonemes and
been memorized... Allophones
I So the Wrong Hypothesis is wrong... Minimal Pairs and
Complementary
Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
Towards the Aspiration Rule Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials

Introduction
Conclusion: Aspiration in
I Since youd never heard those made-up words before... English
The Facts

I Your knowledge of where aspiration goes couldnt have The Rule

Phonemes and
been memorized... Allophones
I So the Wrong Hypothesis is wrong... Minimal Pairs and
Complementary
Distribution

Summary
Right Hypothesis
Aspiration in English is governed by a general rule.
I This rule tells you which consonants aspiration has
to go on.
 Phonemes and
Towards the Aspiration Rule Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials
So, what is the rule for where aspiration goes?...
Introduction

Aspiration in
English
The Facts
The Rule

Phonemes and
Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
Towards the Aspiration Rule Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials
So, what is the rule for where aspiration goes?...
Introduction

Aspiration in
English
The following set of English words is representative of the pattern: The Facts

[th Ap] [kh Ap] [ph Ap]

The Rule
top cop pop
Phonemes and
stool [stul] school [skul] spool [spul] Allophones
eat [it] eke [ik] eep [ip] Minimal Pairs and
twitter [th wI.d] quitter [kh wI.d] please [ph liz] Complementary
Distribution
"
return [i.th 1n] recoil [i.kh Ojl]" repay [i.ph ej] Summary
outlier [awt.laj] rick-roll [Ik.owl] lip-lock [lIp.lAk]
wits [wIts] licks [lIks] lips [lIps]
 Phonemes and
Towards the Aspiration Rule Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials
So, what is the rule for where aspiration goes?...
Introduction

Aspiration in
English
The following set of English words is representative of the pattern: The Facts

[th Ap] [kh Ap] [ph Ap]

The Rule
top cop pop
Phonemes and
stool [stul] school [skul] spool [spul] Allophones
eat [it] eke [ik] eep [ip] Minimal Pairs and
twitter [th wI.d] quitter [kh wI.d] please [ph liz] Complementary
Distribution
"
return [i.th 1n] recoil [i.kh Ojl]" repay [i.ph ej] Summary
outlier [awt.laj] rick-roll [Ik.owl] lip-lock [lIp.lAk]
wits [wIts] licks [lIks] lips [lIps]

The Pattern:
[t]/[k]/[p] can (and must) be aspirated when they are the first
sound in a syllable (onset).
 Phonemes and
The Aspiration Rule Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials
Interim Summary: Introduction

Aspiration in
I English has rules for the pronunciation of words English
(phonology) The Facts
The Rule

I English phonology has rules for the pronunciation of Phonemes and

Allophones
individual phones. Minimal Pairs and
Complementary
I One of those rules states where [t]/[k]/[p] bear Distribution

aspiration (are aspirated) Summary

The Aspiration Rule:

[t]/[k]/[p] can (and must) be aspirated when they are the
first phone in an onset.
 Phonemes and
Sounds in Memory vs. Sounds in Speech Allophones

Key Fact:
The Aspiration Rule forces us to distinguish between: Readings and
Other Materials
I The phones that are actually produced when we talk Introduction

I The way those phones are represented in our memories. Aspiration in

English

Phonemes and
Allophones
Memory vs. Pronunciation
Phoneme vs. Allophone

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
Sounds in Memory vs. Sounds in Speech Allophones

Key Fact:
The Aspiration Rule forces us to distinguish between: Readings and
Other Materials
I The phones that are actually produced when we talk Introduction

I The way those phones are represented in our memories. Aspiration in

English

Phonemes and
Allophones
Basic Assumption About Memory: Memory vs. Pronunciation

When we learn a word, we store in memory a representation of Phoneme vs. Allophone

how it is pronounced Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
Sounds in Memory vs. Sounds in Speech Allophones

Key Fact:
The Aspiration Rule forces us to distinguish between: Readings and
Other Materials
I The phones that are actually produced when we talk Introduction

I The way those phones are represented in our memories. Aspiration in

English

Phonemes and
Allophones
Basic Assumption About Memory: Memory vs. Pronunciation

When we learn a word, we store in memory a representation of Phoneme vs. Allophone

how it is pronounced Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Distribution
A Special Notation: Summary

I For the actual spoken phones, Ill continue to put them in

square brackets ([...]).
I [nd] = the sound produced when we say and
I For the representation of the phones in memory, Ill put
them in angled brackets (/.../)
I /nd/ =
the representation in our memory of how to say and
 Phonemes and
The Representation in Memory Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials

Question: Introduction

When we learn a new word like torble, do we store in Aspiration in

English
memory which sounds are aspirated? Phonemes and
Allophones
I Does the representation put into memory look like this: Memory vs. Pronunciation

/th Obl/ (with aspiration) Phoneme vs. Allophone

" Minimal Pairs and

I Or, does it look like this: /tObl/ (without aspiration) Complementary
" Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
The Representation in Memory Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials

Question: Introduction

When we learn a new word like torble, do we store in Aspiration in

English
memory which sounds are aspirated? Phonemes and
Allophones
I Does the representation put into memory look like this: Memory vs. Pronunciation

/th Obl/ (with aspiration) Phoneme vs. Allophone

" Minimal Pairs and

I Or, does it look like this: /tObl/ (without aspiration) Complementary
" Distribution

Summary

Answer:
The answer appears to be /tObl/ (without aspiration).
"
I Some experimental evidence (psycholinguistics unit).
I It also makes the most sense, practically speaking...
 Phonemes and
The Representation in Memory Allophones

General Principle of Simplicity in Memory:

Readings and
If the information already follows from a general rule, we Other Materials

dont waste time/effort memorizing it. Introduction

Aspiration in
English

Phonemes and
Allophones
Memory vs. Pronunciation
Phoneme vs. Allophone

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
The Representation in Memory Allophones

General Principle of Simplicity in Memory:

Readings and
If the information already follows from a general rule, we Other Materials

dont waste time/effort memorizing it. Introduction

Aspiration in
English

A Simple Example: Spelling Phonemes and

Allophones
Memory vs. Pronunciation
I When the spelling of a word follows general rules... Phoneme vs. Allophone

I Its easier to learn the word. Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
I Because, you dont have to memorize the details. Distribution
I All that info just follows from the rules... Summary
I So you dont have to put it into memory.

I When the spelling of a word is irregular...

I Its harder to learn the word.
I Because, you do have to memorize the details
(which letters, which order)
I You do have to put all that info into memory.
I That takes time and effort.
 Phonemes and
The Representation in Memory Allophones

General Principle of Simplicity in Memory: Readings and

Other Materials
If the information already follows from a general rule,
Introduction
dont waste time/effort memorizing it.
Aspiration in
English
I If something already follows from a rule...
Phonemes and
I We dont waste time/energy also putting that information Allophones
Memory vs. Pronunciation
into memory. Phoneme vs. Allophone

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
The Representation in Memory Allophones

General Principle of Simplicity in Memory: Readings and

Other Materials
If the information already follows from a general rule,
Introduction
dont waste time/effort memorizing it.
Aspiration in
English
I If something already follows from a rule...
Phonemes and
I We dont waste time/energy also putting that information Allophones
Memory vs. Pronunciation
into memory. Phoneme vs. Allophone

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
The Consequences for Aspiration Distribution

Since our Aspiration Rule already says where aspiration Summary

can/must go, we dont also (redundantly) put that information

into memory.
I Therefore, although we pronounce the words like this:
top [th Ap] cop [kh Ap] pop [ph Ap]
I We store them in memory like this:
top /tAp/ cop /kAp/ pop /pAp/
 Phonemes and
A Picture of Speech Production Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials

Introduction

Aspiration in
English

Phonemes and
Step 1: Access memorized representation /tejbl/ Allophones
Memory vs. Pronunciation

Step 2: Apply syllabification rule tej.bl Phoneme vs. Allophone

Step 3: Apply aspiration rule "

th ej.bl Minimal Pairs and
Complementary
Step 4: Pronounce word "]
[th ej.bl Distribution

" Summary
 Phonemes and
The Crucial Distinction Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials

Important Conclusion: Introduction

There is an important distinction between: Aspiration in

English
I The sound as produced by the speaker. Phonemes and
Allophones
I The sound as represented in memory. Memory vs. Pronunciation
Phoneme vs. Allophone

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Distribution
Illustration:
Summary
I In memory, table is represented as /tejbl/
I No aspiration, No syllabification

I When pronounced, table is produced as [th ej.bl]

I Aspiration on [t], Syllabification complete
"
 Phonemes and
Phonemes and Allophones Allophones

Vocabulary
Readings and
I Phoneme = Other Materials

The sound as represented in memory (/.../) Introduction

Aspiration in
I Allophone = English
The sound as actually produced by a speaker ([...]) Phonemes and
Allophones
Memory vs. Pronunciation

Vocabulary: Phoneme vs. Allophone

Minimal Pairs and

[X] is an allophone of /Y/ if [X] is one way that speakers Complementary
pronounce /Y/. Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
Phonemes and Allophones Allophones

Vocabulary
Readings and
I Phoneme = Other Materials

The sound as represented in memory (/.../) Introduction

Aspiration in
I Allophone = English
The sound as actually produced by a speaker ([...]) Phonemes and
Allophones
Memory vs. Pronunciation

Vocabulary: Phoneme vs. Allophone

Minimal Pairs and

[X] is an allophone of /Y/ if [X] is one way that speakers Complementary
pronounce /Y/. Distribution

Summary

Illustration:
/t/ a phoneme of English
[th ] an allophone of /t/ in English
[t] an allophone of /t/ in English

Vocabulary:
We say that [th ] and [t] are allophones of the same
phoneme (namely,/t/).
 Phonemes and
Allophones Across Languages Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials

Introduction

Aspiration in
English
Key Fact:
Phonemes and
Whether or not two phones are allophones of the same Allophones

phoneme depends on the language in question. Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Distribution
I In one language, [X] and [Y] are allophones of the same Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
phoneme. Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
I In another language, [X] and [Y] are allophones of An Analogy
Complementary Distribution
different phonemes.
Summary
 Phonemes and
Different Languages, Different Phonemes Allophones

Example: Aspiration in English and Thai Readings and

Other Materials
I In English, [t] and [th ] are allophones of the same Introduction
phoneme (/t/). Aspiration in
English
I In Thai, [t] and [th ] are allophones of two different
Phonemes and
phonemes (/t/, /th /). Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Distribution
Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
Complementary Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
Different Languages, Different Phonemes Allophones

Example: Aspiration in English and Thai Readings and

Other Materials
I In English, [t] and [th ] are allophones of the same Introduction
phoneme (/t/). Aspiration in
English
I In Thai, [t] and [th ] are allophones of two different
Phonemes and
phonemes (/t/, /th /). Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
How Do We Know? Distribution
Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
I In Thai, the following are two different words: Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
[tam] to pound [th am] to do An Analogy
Complementary Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
Different Languages, Different Phonemes Allophones

Example: Aspiration in English and Thai Readings and

Other Materials
I In English, [t] and [th ] are allophones of the same Introduction
phoneme (/t/). Aspiration in
English
I In Thai, [t] and [th ] are allophones of two different
Phonemes and
phonemes (/t/, /th /). Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
How Do We Know? Distribution
Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
I In Thai, the following are two different words: Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
[tam] to pound [th am] to do An Analogy
Complementary Distribution

I These words look exactly the same, except one has Summary
[t] where the other has [th ].
 Phonemes and
Different Languages, Different Phonemes Allophones

Example: Aspiration in English and Thai Readings and

Other Materials
I In English, [t] and [th ] are allophones of the same Introduction
phoneme (/t/). Aspiration in
English
I In Thai, [t] and [th ] are allophones of two different
Phonemes and
phonemes (/t/, /th /). Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
How Do We Know? Distribution
Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
I In Thai, the following are two different words: Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
[tam] to pound [th am] to do An Analogy
Complementary Distribution

I These words look exactly the same, except one has Summary
[t] where the other has [th ].
I This shows that [t] and [th ] must be allophones of
different phonemes...
 Phonemes and
Different Languages, Different Phonemes Allophones

Example: Aspiration in English and Thai Readings and

Other Materials
I In English, [t] and [th ] are allophones of the same Introduction
phoneme (/t/). Aspiration in
English
I In Thai, [t] and [th ] are allophones of two different
Phonemes and
phonemes (/t/, /th /). Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
How Do We Know? Distribution
Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
I In Thai, the following are two different words: Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
[tam] to pound [th am] to do An Analogy
Complementary Distribution

I These words look exactly the same, except one has Summary
[t] where the other has [th ].
I This shows that [t] and [th ] must be allophones of
different phonemes...
I Why?... (here comes the R2)
 Phonemes and
The Logic Allophones

The Facts: In Thai, these are two different words:

[tam] to pound [th am] to do Readings and
Other Materials

Introduction

Aspiration in
English

Phonemes and
Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Distribution
Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
Complementary Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
The Logic Allophones

The Facts: In Thai, these are two different words:

[tam] to pound [th am] to do Readings and
Other Materials

Introduction

The Key Reasoning: Aspiration in

English

I If [t] / [th ] were allophones of the same phoneme in Thai Phonemes and
Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Distribution
Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
Complementary Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
The Logic Allophones

The Facts: In Thai, these are two different words:

[tam] to pound [th am] to do Readings and
Other Materials

Introduction

The Key Reasoning: Aspiration in

English

I If [t] / [th ] were allophones of the same phoneme in Thai Phonemes and
Allophones

I There would be a rule stating where you use [t] / [th ]. Minimal Pairs and
Complementary
Distribution
Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
Complementary Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
The Logic Allophones

The Facts: In Thai, these are two different words:

[tam] to pound [th am] to do Readings and
Other Materials

Introduction

The Key Reasoning: Aspiration in

English

I If [t] / [th ] were allophones of the same phoneme in Thai Phonemes and
Allophones

I There would be a rule stating where you use [t] / [th ]. Minimal Pairs and
Complementary
I Since [th am] is a word, this rule would entail [th ] Distribution
Different Languages,
before [-am]. Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
Complementary Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
The Logic Allophones

The Facts: In Thai, these are two different words:

[tam] to pound [th am] to do Readings and
Other Materials

Introduction

The Key Reasoning: Aspiration in

English

I If [t] / [th ] were allophones of the same phoneme in Thai Phonemes and
Allophones

I There would be a rule stating where you use [t] / [th ]. Minimal Pairs and
Complementary
I Since [th am] is a word, this rule would entail [th ] Distribution
Different Languages,
before [-am]. Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
I But, since [tam] is also a word, this rule would entail Contrast and Perception

[t] before [-am]. An Analogy

Complementary Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
The Logic Allophones

The Facts: In Thai, these are two different words:

[tam] to pound [th am] to do Readings and
Other Materials

Introduction

The Key Reasoning: Aspiration in

English

I If [t] / [th ] were allophones of the same phoneme in Thai Phonemes and
Allophones

I There would be a rule stating where you use [t] / [th ]. Minimal Pairs and
Complementary
I Since [th am] is a word, this rule would entail [th ] Distribution
Different Languages,
before [-am]. Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
I But, since [tam] is also a word, this rule would entail Contrast and Perception

[t] before [-am]. An Analogy

Complementary Distribution
I But, one rule couldnt require both [th ] before [-am] Summary
and [t] before [-am].
 Phonemes and
The Logic Allophones

The Facts: In Thai, these are two different words:

[tam] to pound [th am] to do Readings and
Other Materials

Introduction

The Key Reasoning: Aspiration in

English

I If [t] / [th ] were allophones of the same phoneme in Thai Phonemes and
Allophones

I There would be a rule stating where you use [t] / [th ]. Minimal Pairs and
Complementary
I Since [th am] is a word, this rule would entail [th ] Distribution
Different Languages,
before [-am]. Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
I But, since [tam] is also a word, this rule would entail Contrast and Perception

[t] before [-am]. An Analogy

Complementary Distribution
I But, one rule couldnt require both [th ] before [-am] Summary
and [t] before [-am].
I Therefore, there isnt actually a rule in Thai stating where
you use [t] and [th ].
 Phonemes and
The Logic Allophones

The Facts: In Thai, these are two different words:

[tam] to pound [th am] to do Readings and
Other Materials

Introduction

The Key Reasoning: Aspiration in

English

I If [t] / [th ] were allophones of the same phoneme in Thai Phonemes and
Allophones

I There would be a rule stating where you use [t] / [th ]. Minimal Pairs and
Complementary
I Since [th am] is a word, this rule would entail [th ] Distribution
Different Languages,
before [-am]. Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
I But, since [tam] is also a word, this rule would entail Contrast and Perception

[t] before [-am]. An Analogy

Complementary Distribution
I But, one rule couldnt require both [th ] before [-am] Summary
and [t] before [-am].
I Therefore, there isnt actually a rule in Thai stating where
you use [t] and [th ].
I And so, [t] and [th ] are allophones of two different
phonemes (/t/, /th /).
 Phonemes and
Minimal Pairs Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials

Introduction

Vocabulary Aspiration in
English
Minimal Pairs = Two words that sound exactly the same,
Phonemes and
except one has [X] where the other has [Y]. Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

I If two words are minimal pairs differing only in [X] and [Y], Complementary
Distribution
then they are minimal pairs for [X] and [Y]. Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
The General Principle: Complementary Distribution

If there are minimal pairs for [X] and [Y], then [X] and [Y] are Summary

allophones of different phonemes.

 Phonemes and
Some Illustrative Examples Allophones

Example 1: Readings and

The following are minimal pairs for [l] and [] in English Other Materials

Introduction
rap [p] lap [lp] Aspiration in
rip [Ip] lip [lIp] English

peer [ph i] peel [ph il] Phonemes and

Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Distribution
Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
Complementary Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
Some Illustrative Examples Allophones

Example 1: Readings and

The following are minimal pairs for [l] and [] in English Other Materials

Introduction
rap [p] lap [lp] Aspiration in
rip [Ip] lip [lIp] English

peer [ph i] peel [ph il] Phonemes and

Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Example 2: Complementary
Distribution
The following are minimal pairs for [s] and [S] in English Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs

sip [sIp] ship [SIp] Contrast and Perception

An Analogy

mess [mEs] mesh [mES] Complementary Distribution

Summary
last [lst] lashed [lSt]
 Phonemes and
Some Illustrative Examples Allophones

Example 1: Readings and

The following are minimal pairs for [l] and [] in English Other Materials

Introduction
rap [p] lap [lp] Aspiration in
rip [Ip] lip [lIp] English

peer [ph i] peel [ph il] Phonemes and

Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Example 2: Complementary
Distribution
The following are minimal pairs for [s] and [S] in English Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs

sip [sIp] ship [SIp] Contrast and Perception

An Analogy

mess [mEs] mesh [mES] Complementary Distribution

Summary
last [lst] lashed [lSt]
I These pairs show that theres no rule that states
whether you say []/[l] or [s]/[S]].
I Thus, they show that these are all allophones of
different phonemes.
 Phonemes and
Contrast Allophones

More Vocabulary: Readings and

Other Materials
I If [X] and [Y] are allophones of different phonemes, Introduction
then they are said to contrast. Aspiration in
English
I If [X] and [Y] are allophones of the same phoneme,
Phonemes and
then they dont contrast. Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Distribution
Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
Complementary Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
Contrast Allophones

More Vocabulary: Readings and

Other Materials
I If [X] and [Y] are allophones of different phonemes, Introduction
then they are said to contrast. Aspiration in
English
I If [X] and [Y] are allophones of the same phoneme,
Phonemes and
then they dont contrast. Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Key Fact 1: Contrast Means Perception Distribution
Different Languages,
When two phones ([X] and [Y]) contrast in a language, this Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
means that: Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
Complementary Distribution
I There are minimal pairs for [X] and [Y].
Summary
I So, [X] and [Y] distinguish words of the language.
I So, speakers must perceive the difference between [X]
and [Y].
I (Like [s] vs. [S] in English)
 Phonemes and
Contrast Allophones

More Vocabulary:
Readings and
I If [X] and [Y] are allophones of different phonemes, Other Materials

Introduction
then they are said to contrast.
Aspiration in
I If [X] and [Y] are allophones of the same phoneme, English

then they dont contrast. Phonemes and

Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Key Fact 2: No Contrast Means Maybe No Perception Complementary
Distribution
When two phones ([X] and [Y]) dont contrast in a language, Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
this means that: Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
I There arent any minimal pairs for [X] and [Y]. Complementary Distribution

Summary
I So, [X] and [Y] dont distinguish any words of the
language.
I So, speakers dont necessarily perceive the difference
between [X] and [Y].
I (Like [t] vs. [th ] in English)
 Phonemes and
An Analogy That Might Help Allophones

If [X] and [Y] are allophones of the same phoneme, the

Readings and
language views them as the same sound. Other Materials

Introduction
I They are represented the same way in memory (/X/)
Aspiration in
English
I Speakers dont necessarily hear the difference
Phonemes and
Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Distribution
Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
Complementary Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
An Analogy That Might Help Allophones

If [X] and [Y] are allophones of the same phoneme, the

Readings and
language views them as the same sound. Other Materials

Introduction
I They are represented the same way in memory (/X/)
Aspiration in
English
I Speakers dont necessarily hear the difference
Phonemes and
Allophones
If X and Y are the same person, then we can never get them Minimal Pairs and
both in the same place at the same time. Complementary
Distribution
Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
Complementary Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
An Analogy That Might Help Allophones

If [X] and [Y] are allophones of the same phoneme, the

Readings and
language views them as the same sound. Other Materials

Introduction
I They are represented the same way in memory (/X/)
Aspiration in
English
I Speakers dont necessarily hear the difference
Phonemes and
Allophones
If X and Y are the same person, then we can never get them Minimal Pairs and
both in the same place at the same time. Complementary
Distribution
Different Languages,
If X and Y are two different people, then we can get them both Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
in the same place at the same time. Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
Complementary Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
An Analogy That Might Help Allophones

If [X] and [Y] are allophones of the same phoneme, the

Readings and
language views them as the same sound. Other Materials

Introduction
I They are represented the same way in memory (/X/)
Aspiration in
English
I Speakers dont necessarily hear the difference
Phonemes and
Allophones
If X and Y are the same person, then we can never get them Minimal Pairs and
both in the same place at the same time. Complementary
Distribution
Different Languages,
If X and Y are two different people, then we can get them both Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
in the same place at the same time. Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
Complementary Distribution
The Analogy:
Summary
Looking for minimal pairs is like trying to get two people in the
same place at the same time.
I place and time the surrounding phones
I If [X] and [Y] show up in the same place / time, they are
two different sounds (phonemes) in the language.
 Phonemes and
An Analogy That Might Help Allophones

If [X] and [Y] are allophones of the same phoneme, the

Readings and
language views them as the same sound. Other Materials

Introduction
I They are represented the same way in memory (/X/)
Aspiration in
English
I Speakers dont necessarily hear the difference
Phonemes and
Allophones
If X and Y are the same person, then we can never get them Minimal Pairs and
both in the same place at the same time. Complementary
Distribution
Different Languages,
If X and Y are two different people, then we can get them both Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
in the same place at the same time. Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
Complementary Distribution
The Analogy:
Summary
Looking for minimal pairs is like trying to get two people in the
same place at the same time.
I place and time the surrounding phones
I If [X] and [Y] are never in the same place / time, they
might be the same sound (phoneme) in the language.
 Phonemes and
Complementary Distribution Allophones

Vocabulary:
Readings and
If there arent minimal pairs for [X] and [Y], then they are Other Materials
in complementary distribution. Introduction

Aspiration in
English

Phonemes and
Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Distribution
Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
Complementary Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
Complementary Distribution Allophones

Vocabulary:
Readings and
If there arent minimal pairs for [X] and [Y], then they are Other Materials
in complementary distribution. Introduction

Aspiration in
English
Key Fact:
Phonemes and
If two phones are allophones of the same phoneme, then Allophones
they must be in complementary distribution. Minimal Pairs and
Complementary
Distribution
Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
Complementary Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
Complementary Distribution Allophones

Vocabulary:
Readings and
If there arent minimal pairs for [X] and [Y], then they are Other Materials
in complementary distribution. Introduction

Aspiration in
English
Key Fact:
Phonemes and
If two phones are allophones of the same phoneme, then Allophones
they must be in complementary distribution. Minimal Pairs and
Complementary
Distribution
Illustration: [t] and [th ] in English Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs

I [t] and [th ] are allophones of the same phoneme (/t/). Contrast and Perception
An Analogy

I So, theres a rule that states whether you say [t] or [th ]
Complementary Distribution

Summary
I So, two English words cant be exactly the same,
except for [t] and [th ]
I If you try to replace [t] with [th ], the result is

unpronounceable in English.
[th Ap] *[tAp]
[stAp] *[sth Ap]
 Phonemes and
The Logical Picture Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials
In summary:
Introduction

Aspiration in
I If you can find minimal pairs for [X] and [Y], then English

Phonemes and
I [X] and [Y] are allophones of different phonemes. Allophones
I [X] and [Y] contrast in the language Minimal Pairs and
I [X] and [Y] are perceived by speakers as different Complementary
Distribution
sounds Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
Complementary Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
The Logical Picture Allophones

Readings and
Other Materials
In summary:
Introduction

Aspiration in
I If you can find minimal pairs for [X] and [Y], then English

Phonemes and
I [X] and [Y] are allophones of different phonemes. Allophones
I [X] and [Y] contrast in the language Minimal Pairs and
I [X] and [Y] are perceived by speakers as different Complementary
Distribution
sounds Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
I If you cant find minimal pairs for [X] and [Y], then An Analogy
Complementary Distribution
I [X] and [Y] are in complementary distribution. Summary
I [X] and [Y] might be allophones of the same
phoneme
I [X] and [Y] might be perceived by speakers as the
same sound.
 Phonemes and
One Last Point of Logic: Allophones

Fact We Just Saw: Readings and

Other Materials
If [X] and [Y] are allophones of the same phoneme, then
Introduction
they are in complementary distribution.
Aspiration in
English

Phonemes and
Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Distribution
Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
Complementary Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
One Last Point of Logic: Allophones

Fact We Just Saw: Readings and

Other Materials
If [X] and [Y] are allophones of the same phoneme, then
Introduction
they are in complementary distribution.
Aspiration in
English
Key Logical Point: Phonemes and
Allophones
But, [X] and [Y] might be in complementary distribution
Minimal Pairs and
and still be allophones of different phonemes. Complementary
Distribution
Different Languages,
Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
Complementary Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
One Last Point of Logic: Allophones

Fact We Just Saw: Readings and

Other Materials
If [X] and [Y] are allophones of the same phoneme, then
Introduction
they are in complementary distribution.
Aspiration in
English
Key Logical Point: Phonemes and
Allophones
But, [X] and [Y] might be in complementary distribution
Minimal Pairs and
and still be allophones of different phonemes. Complementary
Distribution
Different Languages,
I Analogy: Different Phonemes
Minimal Pairs
Even if two people are never in the same room Contrast and Perception
An Analogy
together, they might still be two different people. Complementary Distribution

Summary
I Illustration: [N] and [h] in English
I In English, [N] is never in onsets.
I In English, [h] is never in codas.
I However, we still think they are different phonemes...
(Well see why next class)
 Phonemes and
Summary Allophones

Allophones and Phonemes

Readings and
Other Materials

Introduction

Aspiration in
English
I The phonology of a language includes rules that Phonemes and
affect individual phones. Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Example: Complementary
Distribution
In English, [t]/[p]/[k] are aspirated at the beginning of onsets. Summary

I Given these rules, we must distinguish between:

I phoneme: the sound as represented in memory
I allophone: the sound as actually produced
 Phonemes and
Summary Allophones

Minimal Pairs and Complementary Distribution

I Languages differ in whether phones are allophones Readings and
Other Materials
of the same (or different) phonemes. Introduction

Aspiration in
Example: English

In Thai, [t] and [th ] are allophones of different phonemes Phonemes and
Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

Complementary
Distribution

Summary
 Phonemes and
Summary Allophones

Minimal Pairs and Complementary Distribution

I Languages differ in whether phones are allophones Readings and
Other Materials
of the same (or different) phonemes. Introduction

Aspiration in
Example: English

In Thai, [t] and [th ] are allophones of different phonemes Phonemes and
Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

I If we can find minimal pairs for two phones, then we Complementary
Distribution
know they are allophones of different phonemes.
Summary

Example (Thai):
[tam] to pound [th am] to do
 Phonemes and
Summary Allophones

Minimal Pairs and Complementary Distribution

I Languages differ in whether phones are allophones Readings and
Other Materials
of the same (or different) phonemes. Introduction

Aspiration in
Example: English

In Thai, [t] and [th ] are allophones of different phonemes Phonemes and
Allophones

Minimal Pairs and

I If we can find minimal pairs for two phones, then we Complementary
Distribution
know they are allophones of different phonemes.
Summary

Example (Thai):
[tam] to pound [th am] to do

I If we cant find minimal pairs for them, then they

might be allophones of the same phoneme.
Example:
I In English, there are no minimal pairs for [t] and [th ]...
I ...but there also arent minimal pairs for [N] and [h]