Allophones are variations of a phoneme that occur in specific phonetic contexts without changing the meaning of a word. They illustrate how phonetic realization can vary systematically within a language, influenced by surrounding sounds or positional factors.

Allophone

Allophones are variations of a single phoneme that occur in different phonetic contexts but do not change the meaning of a word. They are crucial for understanding how sounds are produced and perceived in natural languages, highlighting the flexibility and variability of speech sounds.

Allophones

variations of a phoneme

phonetic contexts

changing the meaning of a word

phonetic realization

Systematic variation within a language

surrounding sounds

positional factors

The Foundations of Phonetics and Phonology

Vocal Tract Anatomy and Function

Relevant Degrees

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