The Internal Structure of Nasal-Stop Sequences: Evidence from Austronesian

摘要: The phonological and phonetic structure of nasal-stop sequences has elicited much attention. Yet, in fact, less is known about the internal timing sequences, both unary cases (most commonly prenasalized stops– N D) clusters (nasal voiced-stop clusters–ND, nasal voiceless-stop clusters–NT) than often assumed. This calls into question certain assumptions conclusions. In this paper, we examine to address lacuna. (Nasal-stop sequence, or NC used here refer cluster cases.) a cross-linguistic study realization nasals nasalization English, French, Sundanese, Cohn (1990) observed systematic asymmetry relative oral portions nasalvoiceless stop vs. nasal-voiced cases: For NT cases, components each take up half total duration, as expected; while ND sequence for all but very brief period. While others have since noted similar asymmetry, no full account been offered. goal paper better understand so doing also consider status so-called “postploded nasals” (N D ) (Blust, 1997). We present data from six Austronesian languages investigate these issues. language family its rich array including stops what described postploded nasals. some background on clusters, reviewing relevant results Riehl (2008), before turning nature between voiced voiceless NCs will see that three central issue timing: first, duration crucial dimension allows us differentiate segments clusters; second, critical characterizing difference voiced- sequences; third, micro-timing (structure transition component) at assessing whether are distinct other sorts sequences. acoustic airflow languages, which them exemplify four sequence-types: D, ND, , NT. Erromangan Tamambo (Oceanic Vanuatu) having stops. Acehnese Sundanese (West Indonesia) Manado Malay Pamona (also West clusters. addition, except Tamambo, contrast with consist target words minimal sets corresponding plain stops, recorded appropriate frame sentences; presented multiple repetitions 1-6 speakers per language. Measurements absolute components: portion, burst. Overall