Obligatory Contour Principle: Difference between revisions
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Examples: | Examples: | ||
* A sequence of two identical vowels must either be broken up by [[hiatus]] or coalesce into a [[long vowel]]; they may not form a [[diphthong]]. | * A sequence of two identical vowels must either be broken up by [[hiatus]] or coalesce into a [[long vowel]]; they may not form a [[diphthong]]. | ||
** Similarly, diphthongs of the type /ij/ or /uw/ are practically unheard of; /ji/ and /wu/ are also prohibited by several languages, or at least do not contrast with /i/ and /u/ (English is one exception: cf. ''yeast'' vs. ''east'') | |||
* In [[Tone|tonal]] languages, adjacent syllables may not be marked for the same tone; in cases where this situation is found phonetically, it is analysed in terms of tone spreading, word tone or pitch accent. | * In [[Tone|tonal]] languages, adjacent syllables may not be marked for the same tone; in cases where this situation is found phonetically, it is analysed in terms of tone spreading, word tone or pitch accent. | ||
* Languages commonly prohibit | * Languages commonly prohibit [[Consonant cluster|clusters]] of similar consonants, especially of two [[sibilant]]s. | ||
The OCP also accounts for the cross-linguistic rarity of | The OCP also accounts for the cross-linguistic rarity of [[root]]s containing several identical consonants (with the exception of [[baby-talk]] words such as ''mama, papa, nana, daddy, booboo, peepee, titty'', which may fall under primitive [[reduplication]]). | ||
The motivation of sound changes involving [[dissimilation]] may be included under the OCP. | The motivation of sound changes involving [[dissimilation]] may be included under the OCP. | ||
Revision as of 13:54, 24 February 2010
In phonology, the Obligatory Contour Principle is a general principle stating that two identical features should not occur in succession.
Examples:
- A sequence of two identical vowels must either be broken up by hiatus or coalesce into a long vowel; they may not form a diphthong.
- Similarly, diphthongs of the type /ij/ or /uw/ are practically unheard of; /ji/ and /wu/ are also prohibited by several languages, or at least do not contrast with /i/ and /u/ (English is one exception: cf. yeast vs. east)
- In tonal languages, adjacent syllables may not be marked for the same tone; in cases where this situation is found phonetically, it is analysed in terms of tone spreading, word tone or pitch accent.
- Languages commonly prohibit clusters of similar consonants, especially of two sibilants.
The OCP also accounts for the cross-linguistic rarity of roots containing several identical consonants (with the exception of baby-talk words such as mama, papa, nana, daddy, booboo, peepee, titty, which may fall under primitive reduplication).
The motivation of sound changes involving dissimilation may be included under the OCP.
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