An articulatory study of the alveolar versus retroflex contrast in pre- and post-stress position in Arrernte. (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tabain, Marija; Beare, Richard
• Is Part Of: Journal of phonetics. Volume 78(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: Australian languages -- Apical consonants -- Marginal phonemic contrasts -- Post-tonic strengthening; Phonetics -- Periodicals; Phonetics -- Periodicals; Phonétique -- Périodiques; Phonetics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 414.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wocn.2019.100952
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0095-4470

Abstract

Highlights: We look at alveolar and retroflex consonants in Arrernte. We find that the prototypical retroflex occurs after the stressed vowel. A prototypical alveolar is more likely to occur before a stressed vowel. The contrast is least clearly realized for the lateral manner of articulation. The contrast is most clearly realized for the nasal manner of articulation. Abstract: This study presents articulometry and palatography data for Arrernte, a language of Central Australia. It examines the contrast between the apical consonants – alveolar versus retroflex – according to lexical stress. Stop, nasal and lateral consonants are treated separately. Results show that the most prototypical retroflex articulation – where the tongue tip is retracted for post-alveolar closure and eventually released at a more anterior location – occurs after a stressed vowel. By contrast, a prototypical alveolar articulation – with closure and release at the same (anterior) region along the palate – is more likely to occur before a stressed vowel. In addition, it is shown that the contrast between alveolars and retroflexes varies by manner of articulation, being clearest for the nasal manner. It is suggested that the low jaw position which is an inherent property of nasal articulations facilitates retraction of the tongue tip for retroflexion, and that nasalization of adjacent vowels may motivate an exaggeration of the alveolar-retroflex contrast. For laterals, however, the alveolar~retroflex contrast is not so clear, and it is suggested that the articulatory requirements for lateral airflow may compromise full retraction of the tongue tip. Typological implications of these results are discussed, as is the possibility that CV versus VC (i.e. alveolar versus retroflex) cues to place of articulation are best encoded within a stressed vowel.