Linguistics ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-15-2024

Abstract

The articulation of the tongue back in bilabial and velar obstruents in American English (AE) and Seoul Korean (SK) was examined using ultrasound, and the findings are discussed in terms of phonetic and phonological theories. AE voiced and SK aspirated and fortis bilabial obstruents were articulated with longer, larger, and more frequent tongue back displacement than voiceless and lenis ones. Speakers produced AE voiced and SK aspirated and fortis velar obstruents with longer and larger tongue back displacement than voiceless and lenis ones. These obstruents were further contrasted in relation to the timing of laryngeal actions. The finding that lingual and laryngeal articulation for the vowel showed larger temporal overlap for voiced and fortis and less overlap for voiceless and aspirated obstruents implies that speakers execute additional control for clear consonantal contrast. Altogether, tongue back should be considered an important articulator contributing to consonantal contrasts in AE and SK.

Language

English

Keywords

dynamic ultrasound tongue imaging, tongue back, American English, Seoul Korean, bilabial tongue constriction, Articulatory Phonology

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Linguistics

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Department of Linguistics

First Committee Member (Chair)

Caroline L. Smith

Second Committee Member

Jill P. Morford

Third Committee Member

Benjamin V. Tucker

Fourth Committee Member

Amy T. Neel

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