applied
but the Deocclution rule applies to the underlying /  h
/ , we will get [ 
]. The optionality of both the rules will explain why we have free
variation between [ h
], [ ch ], [
] and [ s ] before non-front vowels. The optionality of the Deocclusion
rule will explain why we have free variation between [ h
] and [
] before front vowels. (The Alveolarisation rule cannot apply in this
environment). |
|
|
| A
look at the surface forms generated in the four schemata above will
clearly show that the palatal sounds occur before non-front as well
as front vowels, but the alveolars occur only before non-front vowels. |
However, the alveolar
/ s/ occurs before front vowels in Kokborok as mentioned in the beginnings.
The apparent counter-example to the universality of the generative
rules proposed must be accounted for. Otherwise, the rules will not
be valid. The interesting fact about this [ s ] occuring before front
vowels is that it does not freely vary with its affricate counterpart
[ ch ]. This shows that / ch /, and ultimately / h
/, cannot be the input to generate this [ s ]. So this [ s ] must
come from a different underlying source, i.e., / s / it self. Thus
we will have four underlying segments, viz., /
/, /  /,
/ h / and
/ s / for the affricates and sibilants of Kokborok. |
1.4.4. Kokborok
has phonemically two front vowels, two back vowels and three central
vowels. [ ]
is always followed by either []
or [ a ] in the next syllabnle while [µ]
is never followed by these two vowels. Thus [ ]
and [µ]
have complimentary distribution. Nevertheless, since [µ]
is a back unrounded vowel (it is grouped with the central vowels only
for the sake of phonemic pattern), and is not phonetically similar
with [] which is a central vowel, both sounds are treated as independent
phonemes. []
is slightly fronted after palatals |
|
