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Distinctive Features

The document discusses the concept of distinctive features in linguistics. It explains that distinctive features are considered the basic building blocks of language, smaller than the phoneme. Natural classes of sounds tend to behave similarly because they share common distinctive features. A distinctive feature system aims to characterize all sounds in the world's languages using a minimal set of binary features defined based on phonetic properties. Different approaches to defining distinctive features are outlined, including those based on distinctive oppositions, acoustics, and the theory developed by Chomsky and Halle. Requirements for a distinctive feature system and examples of features used to characterize consonants and vowels are also provided.

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393 views13 pages

Distinctive Features

The document discusses the concept of distinctive features in linguistics. It explains that distinctive features are considered the basic building blocks of language, smaller than the phoneme. Natural classes of sounds tend to behave similarly because they share common distinctive features. A distinctive feature system aims to characterize all sounds in the world's languages using a minimal set of binary features defined based on phonetic properties. Different approaches to defining distinctive features are outlined, including those based on distinctive oppositions, acoustics, and the theory developed by Chomsky and Halle. Requirements for a distinctive feature system and examples of features used to characterize consonants and vowels are also provided.

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ANUGIL V
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© © All Rights Reserved
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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

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