Cultural Assimilation

The research papers written by Kenstowicz and Gussenhoven provide thought provoking insights into the distinction between phonology and phonetics. Kenstowicz’s research examines the rules within English phonology that can be used to explain the variable realisations of the phoneme. Gussenhoven’s research looks at speech from a physical, or biological standpoint. In conjunction, the two papers provide a sound introduction to speech production and comprehension.

I will begin by discussing Kenstowicz’s paper. Kenstowicz raises an interesting question regarding the inconsistencies within the English language. The first example used is in regards to the many variations of the coronal stop [t] within the English language. Kenstowicz’s examination of the allophones of the phoneme highlight the importance of context in determining the allophone. Crucially, Kenstowicz looks to native speakers. He explains that the variations between allophones are often not noticed by native speakers. In exemplifying this, Kenstowicz points to the “collective phonetic illusion” experienced when hearing the words ‘tends’ and ‘tents’. Phonetic instrumentation shows the gap between the ‘d’ and the ‘s’ in both words to not have a consonant.

Gussenhoven looks to organs such at the larynx, the lungs, the glottis and other organs to explain speech. He explains how different sounds are produced by the various systems working together, and highlights what role each part plays in creating speech.

Having grown up in the UK, I find Kenstowicz’s observations fascinating. Kenstowicz, possibly inadvertently, raises crucial questions about cultural assimilation. Ultimately, what distinguishes native speakers of a language from non-native speakers is often inexplicable by the native speaker.