Neutralization (Key Topics in Phonology) - Hardcover

Silverman, Daniel

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 052119671X ISBN 13: 9780521196710

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2012

Synopsis

The function of language is to transmit information from speakers to listeners. This book investigates an aspect of linguistic sound patterning that has traditionally been assumed to interfere with this function – neutralization, a conditioned limitation on the distribution of a language's contrastive values. The book provides in-depth, nuanced and critical analyses of many theoretical approaches to neutralization in phonology and argues for a strictly functional characterization of the term: neutralizing alternations are only function-negative to the extent that they derive homophones, and most surprisingly, neutralization is often function-positive, by serving as an aid to parsing. Daniel Silverman encourages the reader to challenge received notions by carefully considering these functional consequences of neutralization. The book includes a glossary, discussion points and lists of further reading to help advanced phonology students consolidate the main ideas and findings on neutralization.

About this title

About the Author

Daniel Silverman is Associate Professor in the Department of Linguistics and Language Development at San José State University, California.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 052119671X
• ISBN 13: 9780521196710
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 238