A classificatory study of phonemic systems in Australian aboriginal languages
Date
1979
Authors
Busby, Peter Andrew
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Abstract
This classificatory study of phonemic systems is an attempt to provide an understanding of the structures and characteristics of the phonologies of Australian aboriginal languages. In order to classify L.1e phonological systems we need to survey the languages and determine the types of systems that do occur. We also need to examine the acoustic structure of some phonetic characteristics of the phonemes that make up these systems. Finally, the classification of phonemic types into systems involves an examination of distinctive feature systems and their applicability to the Australian situation.
The first section surveys 134 languages from the total of approximately 260 said to occur on the continent (Wurm, 1972: 9). We need to note the phonemes recorded in language descriptions and their distributions, both systemic and areal. General language surveys consisting of a single chapter or short article capture some of the more obvious generalizations that can be said of Australian phonological systems. With the exceptions of Dixon (1970b, 1972, forthcoming a) and Wurm (1972) for instance, there have been no systematic attempts to describe the nature and significance of these generalizations. Once having specified the types of phonemes and their distribution He turn to the acoustic study of some of the more pertinent phonetic, or segmental, characteristics; for example, Australian languages can have a maximum of seven positions of articulation for
stops and nasals, excluding the glottal stop. The analysis examines aspects of segments which can be seen as some of the distinguishing parameters necessary for distinctions. Two excellent studies of aboriginal languages serve as an important contribution to the knowledge of acoustic structures of these languages: Trefry's (1974) description of Diyari and McDonald's (1977) Yaraldi analysis. Jernudd's (1974) palatographic analysis of Gunwinggu phonemes provides articulatory evidence on the positions of articulation in Australian languages. The third and final section examines the relative abilities of distinctive feature systems1 to distinguish aboriginal phonological systems in light of the distribution of phonemes and their phonetic characteristics. In the development of universal distinctive features,
little attention has been given to Australian languages. Chomsky and Halle mention only one Australian language, Aranda (Chomsky-Halle, 1968: 312); Ladefoged mentions none. On the other hand, contrasted with these universally orientated systems, is Dixon's feature inventory, a system that is uniquely Australian in that it captures
generalizations which are characteristic of aboriginal phonological organization.
The consequence of such an examination is the development of a feature system which is both capable of making the characteristic phonological distinctions and has regard for the acoustic structure of the phonetic realizations.
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DOI
10.25911/5d78d874b5889