#1
Which component is NOT part of the syllable structure?
Intonation
ExplanationIntonation is related to pitch variations in speech, not syllable structure.
#2
In the context of syllable structure, what is a 'closed syllable'?
A syllable that ends in a consonant
ExplanationClosed syllables conclude with a consonant, contrasting with open syllables.
#3
Which of the following is a characteristic feature of a 'diphthong'?
A combination of two vowel sounds within the same syllable
ExplanationDiphthongs involve the smooth transition between two vowel sounds within a single syllable.
#4
In phonetics, what does 'voicing' refer to?
Whether or not the vocal cords vibrate during the production of a sound
ExplanationVoicing distinguishes sounds based on the vibration of the vocal cords during articulation.
#5
In linguistic phonetics, what distinguishes 'plosives' from other consonants?
They involve a complete obstruction of the airstream in the vocal tract
ExplanationPlosives obstruct the airflow completely, resulting in a momentary pause in speech.
#6
In phonology, what does the term 'minimal pair' refer to?
Two words that differ in meaning through a change in a single phonological element
ExplanationMinimal pairs are crucial in phonology, demonstrating the significance of individual phonemes in distinguishing word meanings.
#7
What is the maximal onset principle?
A rule that the onset of a syllable should contain as many consonants as possible
ExplanationThe maximal onset principle dictates syllable structure by maximizing consonants at the beginning of syllables.
#8
What term describes the phenomenon when a phoneme is changed into another phoneme due to its phonological environment?
Allophonic variation
ExplanationAllophonic variation occurs when a phoneme changes its pronunciation based on its phonetic context.
#9
Which process involves the insertion of a phoneme into a word?
Epenthesis
ExplanationEpenthesis is the phonological process of adding a phoneme into a word.
#10
What does the phonological process of 'reduction' typically involve?
The simplification of a cluster of consonants
ExplanationReduction simplifies consonant clusters, making pronunciation easier.
#11
Which of the following best describes 'assimilation' in phonology?
A process where a speech sound becomes similar to a neighboring sound
ExplanationAssimilation involves a phoneme adopting characteristics of a nearby sound during articulation.
#12
What is the primary function of suprasegmental features in phonology?
To alter the basic meaning of words through tone, stress, or rhythm
ExplanationSuprasegmental features like tone, stress, and rhythm modify word meanings and convey nuances in speech.
#13
Which term refers to the loss of a sound from the interior of a word?
Syncope
ExplanationSyncope refers to the deletion of a sound within a word.
#14
What is the primary linguistic function of tone in tonal languages?
To differentiate words based on pitch or pitch contour
ExplanationTone in tonal languages conveys lexical distinctions through variations in pitch.
#15
In terms of syllable structure, what is a 'complex coda'?
A coda that consists of more than one consonant
ExplanationA complex coda contains multiple consonants at the end of a syllable.