Distinctive features

A short presentation describing the distinctive features to distinguish major phonological classes.

1. DISTINCTIVE FEATURES By – Deepak Jangid - 2012EEB1056 Mohit Jasapara - 2012EEB1059

2. Distinctive features Roman Jakobson proposed that there is one universal set of distinctive features for all languages, which define classes of sounds relevant to phonology. All contrasts must be stated in terms of these features. All restrictions on distribution must be stated in terms of these features.

3. Definition 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, or alternate , and define the sets of sounds.

4. Feature Systems The formal development of distinctive feature theory is due primarily to Roman Jakobson. a) Only binary oppositions are accepted .[+/-] b ) Descriptions should be based on a minimum number of DFs. c ) These are selected from a limited set of universal DFs. d ) The DF values for the sounds of a language are arranged as a matrix with +, – and 0 (not relevant) values.

5. Major Class Features The major class features are: [ consonantal] +obstruent; -vowels, glides [sonorant ] [syllabic ] +vowels; -consonants They define major classes of sounds, such as consonant and vowel, sonorant and obstruent.

6. Laryngeal Features The laryngeal features are: [voice] [ spread glottis] +aspirated; -unaspirated [constricted glottis] +glottal; -glottal They define glottal state of sounds thus classifying into voiced and voiceless, aspirated and unaspirated.

7. Place Features The place features are: [Labial] +bilabial, labiodental [Coronal] +dental, alveolar [Dorsal] +palatal, velar They specify the place of articulation.

8. Manner Features The manner features are: [Continuant] +no obstruction [Nasal] +velum lowered [Lateral] +laterals [Delayed release] +affricates; -stops They specify the manner of articulation.

9. Some consonant classes

10. Height Features [high] : A sound is [+high] if it is produced with the tongue body raised from neutral (mid central) position; otherwise it is [-high]. [low] : A sound is [+low] if it is produced with the tongue body lowered from neutral (mid central) position; otherwise it is [-low].

11. Back Features [back] : A sound is [+back] if it is produced with the tongue is positioned far back as possible in the mouth without creating a constriction that would be classified as a consonant; otherwise it is [-back].

12. Some features for Vowels