English 615: Modern English Linguistics

Phonology Sample Problems

Neveralang


Examine [f] and [v] in the data below.

1. [pla] nose
2. [gafa] finger
3. [vapla] orange
4. [vafili] foot
5. [kaplono] belly
6. [prifi] head
7. [kalapli] arm
8. [klanafo] toe
9. [privi] wrist
10. [vila] poison


[f] and [v] contrast. [f] and [v] are allophones of different phonemes. Note the minimal pair in 6 and 9 above: [prifi] [privi].

NB: In english, the distribution of these three phones is different than it is in this language. In English /f/, /v/ and /p/ contrast. Note the minimal tripplet pat, vat and fat. In English these three sounds comprise three phonemes.


Audio Answer

Next Problem

Back to Homepage