Distinctive Features
Introduction
The Phoneme is the primary phonological unit in the ‘Classical approach’ to
Linguistics.
However, both theoretical and empirical evidence suggests that a unit smaller than a
phoneme (just like an atom) is more appropriate.
This unit is referred to as ‘Distinctive Features’.
Distinctive features are considered to be as the basic building block of Language.
Sentence
Morphemes
Phonemes
Fe
at
ur
es
Therefore the set of features is universal.
The need for a theory of distinctive features
Natural classes of sounds tend to behave similarly because they have features in
common.
One, the three consonants /p, k, t,/ form a group that is a natural class.
If any or all of the sounds /pʰ, m, ŋ, l/ are added to them then they are no more a
‘natural’ class.
Two, a phonological process such as glottalization involves a natural class. Then
how do characterize a natural class ?
Etc…
Distinctive Features, Concept of Binary and
Feature System
Distinctive features are the universal set of cognitive properties associated with the
speech sounds that are used in language.
They determine the contrasts which may exist between speech sounds, account for
the ways in which these sounds may change/alternate, and define the sets of sounds.
Only binary oppositions are accepted (+/-). What is binary ?
Description should be based on a minimum number of DFs.
These are selected from a limited set of universal DFs.
The DF values for the sounds of a language are arranged as a matrix with
+ (presence of feature), - (absence of feature).
Why Distinctive Feature ?
Segments may be viewed as composed of sets of properties rather than indivisible
entities. We can show the relationship by listing the properties of each segment.
To describe the segments in the world’s languages: all segments in any language can
be characterized in some unique combination of features
Identifies groups of segments → natural segment classes: they play a role in
phonological processes and constraints
Distinctive features must be referred to in terms of phonetic -- articulatory or
acoustic -- characteristics.
Requirements on Distinctive Feature Systems
They must be capable of characterizing natural segment classes.
They must be capable of describing all segmental contrasts in all languages.
They should be definable in phonetic terms.
p b m
Stop + + +
Labial + + +
Voiced - + +
Nasal - - +
Different Approaches to Distinctive Features
Distinctive Oppositions (Nikolai Trubetzkoy - Russian Linguist).
Acoustic Features (Roman Jakobson).
The SPE Approach (Noam Chomsky and Morris Halle).
Acoustic Features
Roman Jakobson to gather with Gunnar Fant and Morris Halle in 1950s.
He proposed a system of binary features now its called distinctive, that capture
phonological contrast rather than describing the phonetic segments themselves.
Jakobson’s features are acoustic in character.
Type of Features
o Major class
o Features for vowels
o Features for consonants
o Secondary articulation features.
Distinctive Features
Major class features
To distinguish major classes of segments. Vowels, consonants and segments in
between nasals, liquids and glides.
Initially introduced [Consonantal] and [Nasal], later further classes are added
(given in the pdf).
All Vowels – [-Consonantal] and all Consonants – [+ Consonantal]
p - [+cons] [-nasal]
m - [+cons] [+nasal]
u – [-cons] [-nasal]
Features for vowels
To account for the parameters tough height, tongue position and lip rounding
additional features based on acoustics measurements were introduced.
[diffuse] – relate to all segments whose energy concentration primarily found in a
narrow region central to the frequency spectrum.
Eg. e, u and non - alveolar consonants – [+diffuse]
[compact] – relate to all segments with low energy concentration in the narrow
central regions of the spectrum.
Eg. Low vowels – [+compact]
[grave] – relates to all segments whose energy concentration can primarily found in
a narrow region of the lower frequencies of the spectrum.
Eg. Back vowels – [+grave]
[flat] – relates to all segments with weak or low energy concentration in the upper
regions of the frequency spectrum.
Eg. Back vowels [+flat]
Consonantal features
[+/-cons]
This feature distinguish the distinguish the sound with low energy and substantial obstruction
from non consonantal sound.
Also,
• [+/-diffuse]
• [+/-grave]
• [+/-flat]
Additionally (primary articulatory in character)
• [voice] - Vocal chord action
• [nasal] - Flow of air through nose.
• [continuant] – Flow of air continuously through mouth.
fricatives, approximants and vowels – [+continuant]
stops/plosives and laterals – [-continuant]
[strident] – high energy at high frequency from consonants involving at low energy at low
frequency.
Alveolar fricatives – [+strident] and Post alveolar, dental and labio-dental - [-strident]
Secondary articulation features
[flat] – weakening of upper frequencies.
Eg. Labialisation, velarisation, pharyngealisation etc.
[sharp] – strengthening of upper frequencies.
[checked] = higher rate of energy discharge.
Suggestion
Read broadly.
Continue…
Thank You
