Re: Tit'xka (Pretty Long Post)

Sheets, Jeff wrote:

> > Sheets, Jeff wrote:
> > > Given your description of k in kill =3D /k_h/, I just can't
> > > see why it isn't /k/.  If you could explain the difference for me, =
I
> > would
> > > be appreciative.
> >
> > The /k/ in _kill_ is [k_h], while the /k/ in _skill_ is [k].  The
> > difference is that [k_h] is followed by a small puff of air, while [k=
]
> > is not.  I.e., the vocal cords turn on immediately after the [k] is
> > released in _skill_, but not in _kill_.  If you still can't tell, put
> > your hand in front of your mouth and say those two words, you should
> > feel a puff of air on your hand with _kill_, but not with _skill_.
> >
> In extreme laymans terms when should I differentiate between // and [] =
?  I
> never got that either.  Thanks for the help, though, I understand the
> difference now. :)
 Well, basically, solidi ("//") are used when you're talking about the ph=
onemic
situation of a language, and so saying e.g. /k/ in English could refer to=
 any of
several phonetic realizations that it might take:  /k/ might be, phonetic=
ally,
an aspirated [k_h], an unreleased [k,], or plain unaspirated [k].   But w=
hen
you're talking about what the speakers actually perceive, none of these b=
racketed
values make any difference in English (hence the distinction in the first=
 place).

Sorry if we go a little overboard with technicalities here, but since so =
many of
us are trained linguists, we often forget that not everyone in the group
has the same background.  Please feel free to ask whenever you don't get =
something
(as you have been). :)

=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
Tom Wier <twier@...>
ICQ#: 4315704   AIM: Deuterotom
Website: <http://www.angelfire.com/tx/eclectorium/>
"Cogito ergo sum, sed credo ergo ero."

"S=F4=F0 is gecy=FEed / =FE=E6t mihtig God manna
cynes / w=EAold w=EEde-ferh=F0."
 _Beowulf_, ll. 700-702
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D