Abstract
In this paper, we apply the theory of “phonology as human behavior” to the analysis of the phonotactic distribution of consonants and vowels in monosyllabic words of Standard French, that is, of the occurrence of phonemes in certain phonetic environments rather than in others. We will show that the phonotactic distribution can be explained by the principle of mini-max
struggle that "represents the synthesis of needs and inertia" [23], that is
which consists in reaching the maximum communication with minimal effort [30]. In other words, the analysis will show that there is a direct connection between the effort applied by speakers to control the muscles of the phonatory organs, involved in the production of phonemes, and the higher or lower frequency of these phonemes in different phonotactic distributions. On the one hand, we will show quantitatively that combinations of movements that are easier to articulate and, hence, easier to learn to control are favored over combinations requiring more effort and, thus, being more difficult to learn to control. On the other hand, a greater effort is invested to create more distinctions that can be clearly perceived in communication.
struggle that "represents the synthesis of needs and inertia" [23], that is
which consists in reaching the maximum communication with minimal effort [30]. In other words, the analysis will show that there is a direct connection between the effort applied by speakers to control the muscles of the phonatory organs, involved in the production of phonemes, and the higher or lower frequency of these phonemes in different phonotactic distributions. On the one hand, we will show quantitatively that combinations of movements that are easier to articulate and, hence, easier to learn to control are favored over combinations requiring more effort and, thus, being more difficult to learn to control. On the other hand, a greater effort is invested to create more distinctions that can be clearly perceived in communication.
Translated title of the contribution | The application of the theory of "phonology as human behavior" to the analysis of the phonotactic distribution of consonants and vowels in monosyllabic words of Standard French. |
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Original language | French |
Title of host publication | SHS Web of Conferences |
Subtitle of host publication | Congrès Mondial de Linguistique Française |
Editors | F. Neveu, B. Harmegnies |
Number of pages | 13 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2018 |
Event | 6e Congrès Mondial de Linguistique Française - Université de Mons, Belgium Duration: 9 Jun 2018 → 13 Jun 2018 |
Publication series
Name | SHS Web of Conferences |
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Volume | 46 |
ISSN (Electronic) | 2261-2424 |
Conference
Conference | 6e Congrès Mondial de Linguistique Française |
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Country/Territory | Belgium |
Period | 9/06/18 → 13/06/18 |