Phonetic
bases of distinctive features
In spite of their importance, the phonetic
basis of features remains poorly understood.
Features are typically defined, according to the researcher, either in
the articulatory-aerodynamic domain or in the acoustic-auditory domain. Recently a new initiative has emerged within
the framework of the quantal theory
of speech, developed by K.N. Stevens and his colleagues at MIT. The main originality of this theory is the
equal status it attributes to the acoustic and articulatory dimensions of
spoken language. Features are defined
with respect to certain articulatory dimensions within which small shifts in
the position of the tongue, lips, or vocal cords do not have major consequences
for at the perceptual level.
|
Figure
1. Schematic representation of the
relation between (a) an articulatory parameter resp. acoustic effect, and
(b) an acoustic parameter resp. auditory response, as the first parameter is
manipulated through a range of values. (After
K.N. Stevens) |
Quantal
theory is among the recent models which has most successfully integrated
phonetics and phonology. However,
quantal theory has not yet been submitted to a rigorous empirical testing in
many areas. In our current grant-funded project*, a team of researchers at the
LPP, Paris is currently undertaking such testing. The following questions are being raised,
among others: What is the acoustic and articulatory definition of each
feature? Can a quantal definition be
assigned to each feature? Do defining
properties of quantal features appear in all contexts? If not, what is the role of enhancement?
* http://ed268.univ-paris3.fr/lpp/?page=recherche/theme5&lang=fr
Selected readings
2006 G. N. Clements & Rachid Ridouane, "Quantal phonetics and distinctive features:
a Review." In Antonis Botinis, ed., Proceedings
of the ISCA Tutorial and Research Workshop on Experimental Linguistics, 28-30 August 2006, 17-24.
2006 G. N. Clements & Rachid Ridouane, "Distinctive feature enhancement: a
review." In Antonis Botinis, ed., Proceedings
of the ISCA Tutorial and Research Workshop on Experimental Linguistics, 28-30 August 2006, 97-100.
2004 K.N.
Stevens, "Invariance and variability in speech: Interpreting acoustic
evidence." Proceedings of the Conference "From Sound to Sense", June 11 –