Positional Neutralization - Linguistics - University of California ...

neutralization occurring as a result of what is often called the first degree of reduction,
the prohibition on realization of a contrast between /e, o/ and /, / in any unstressed
syllable, is categorical (Major 1985). No amount of additional duration, emphasis, or
formality of register will cause it to reemerge in syllables where it is neutralized. It must,
therefore, be represented by the collapse of the two independent entities into a single
category in the phonology. The second degree of reduction (occurring in posttonic
syllables), however, is more ambiguous.
Major notes that for many speakers degree two reduction of /e, o/ to [i, u] does not
take place in phrase-final open syllables. He demonstrates that these syllables are also
subject to substantial phrase-final lengthening, which exempts the degree 2 vowels from
reduction, making them durationally (and spectrally) equivalent to the vowels of pretonic
syllables. Furthermore, the realization of the pretonic syllables as [e, o], which Nobre and
Ingemann show to be somewhat reduced qualitatively in comparison with their stressed
counterparts in any circumstance, can in certain speech styles undergo further phonetic
reduction. Major notes that while in the “normal” register pretonic mid vowels are
realized as (slightly reduced) [e, o], in “casual” speech these vowels are reduced further
still, being realized instead as [i, u] also 19 . Major hypothesizes that the reason for the
19
On normal and casual, Major writes “NOR is the natural speech used in settings which vary from slightly
informal to formal - such as a lecture, a newscast, or consultation with one’s colleagues; it is the style
which the layman considers good or correct pronunciation. CAS is used in very informal, casual, or intimate
settings, e.g. conversation between good friends and lovers. The layman often considers this to be incorrect
69