Phonology and phonetics in Functional Discourse Grammar: Interfaces, mismatches, and the direction of processing
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Klaas Seinhorst
Abstract
In this paper we discuss the interfaces between phonological and phonetic representations in Functional Discourse Grammar, and the possible mismatches that occur at those interfaces. Firstly, we discuss different definitions of phonological opacity in the literature, and provide examples with these definitions. We argue that mismatches between phonological and phonetic representations can result from competing pressures of articulatory ease and perceptual distinctivity. In order to model these influences and the resulting mismatches adequately, the model should not be organised strictly top-down: we argue that FDG should incorporate bottom-up influences from the phonetics on the phonology. We show that these influences are language- specific, which entails that bottom-up feedback must involve the Grammatical Component. With this modification of the model’s architecture, language users’ tendency to speak efficiently can be incorporated into the model, explaining a wide array of phenomena such as (synchronic) reduction, the cross-linguistic frequency of phonological alternations, and (diachronic) grammaticalization.
Abstract
In this paper we discuss the interfaces between phonological and phonetic representations in Functional Discourse Grammar, and the possible mismatches that occur at those interfaces. Firstly, we discuss different definitions of phonological opacity in the literature, and provide examples with these definitions. We argue that mismatches between phonological and phonetic representations can result from competing pressures of articulatory ease and perceptual distinctivity. In order to model these influences and the resulting mismatches adequately, the model should not be organised strictly top-down: we argue that FDG should incorporate bottom-up influences from the phonetics on the phonology. We show that these influences are language- specific, which entails that bottom-up feedback must involve the Grammatical Component. With this modification of the model’s architecture, language users’ tendency to speak efficiently can be incorporated into the model, explaining a wide array of phenomena such as (synchronic) reduction, the cross-linguistic frequency of phonological alternations, and (diachronic) grammaticalization.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- Abbreviations VII
- Functional Discourse Grammar: Blueprint and interfaces 1
- Interfaces, mismatches, and the architecture of Functional Discourse Grammar 15
- Grammar in 5D: The interface design of a mismatching grammar 59
- Phonology and phonetics in Functional Discourse Grammar: Interfaces, mismatches, and the direction of processing 101
- Noun incorporation in Functional Discourse Grammar 127
- A Functional Discourse Grammar typology of reflexives, with some notes on reciprocals 175
- Serial verb constructions, interface mismatches and Functional Discourse Grammar 229
- A Functional Discourse Grammar account of voice in Plains Algonquian Languages 259
- The English ‘Time-measurement construction’ as a case of gradience: A Functional Discourse Grammar approach 303
- Inter-level mismatches in English coordinated partitives 337
- A Functional Discourse Grammar account of postnominal modification in English 369
- Meaning-to-form mismatches in Functional Discourse Grammar and Systemic Functional Grammar: A case study of the English discourse connective however 399
- Subject Index 433
- Name Index 437
- Language Index 445
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- Abbreviations VII
- Functional Discourse Grammar: Blueprint and interfaces 1
- Interfaces, mismatches, and the architecture of Functional Discourse Grammar 15
- Grammar in 5D: The interface design of a mismatching grammar 59
- Phonology and phonetics in Functional Discourse Grammar: Interfaces, mismatches, and the direction of processing 101
- Noun incorporation in Functional Discourse Grammar 127
- A Functional Discourse Grammar typology of reflexives, with some notes on reciprocals 175
- Serial verb constructions, interface mismatches and Functional Discourse Grammar 229
- A Functional Discourse Grammar account of voice in Plains Algonquian Languages 259
- The English ‘Time-measurement construction’ as a case of gradience: A Functional Discourse Grammar approach 303
- Inter-level mismatches in English coordinated partitives 337
- A Functional Discourse Grammar account of postnominal modification in English 369
- Meaning-to-form mismatches in Functional Discourse Grammar and Systemic Functional Grammar: A case study of the English discourse connective however 399
- Subject Index 433
- Name Index 437
- Language Index 445
