A neural mapping hypothesis to explain why velar stops have an allophonic split

Journal/Book: Brain Lang. 1999; 70: 525 B St, Ste 1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495, USA. Academic Press Inc. 294-304.

Abstract: Velar stops are phonetically characterized by two allophones-a palatal ''g'' when produced in front-vowel contexts and a velar ''g'' when produced in back-vowel contexts. Acoustic characterizations of velar stops based on plotting the onset and offset frequencies of the second formant transition clearly reveal two acoustically separated allophonic groups. Using cross-linguistic acoustic data, it is shown that alveolar stops fall precisely within the acoustic void created by the velar allophones. A neural-based mapping hypothesis is put forth claiming that the bimodal distribution of velars is an instance of articulatory behavior acting in the service of auditory representation.

Note: Article Sussman HM, Univ Texas, Dept Linguist, Calhoun Hall 501, Austin,TX 78712 USA

Keyword(s): velar stops; F2 transitions; coarticulation; topographic maps; auditory-neural space; neuroethology; LOCUS EQUATIONS; PLACE; ARTICULATION

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