Segmental Reduction in Connected Speech in German: Phonological Facts and Phonetic Explanations

Abstract

This paper deals with /r/ vocalization, weak forms, elisions and assimilations in connected speech in German and provides phonological rules within the generative framework for the derivation of any observable reduction forms , given certain phonetic environments. Some syntactic constraints are also discussed. This phonological description is then supplemented by an enquiry into the production and perception constraints of real speakers and real listeners to find answers to the questions as to why certain articulatory modifications occur and others do not, and why they take particular directions. This phonetic explanation is sought in a minimization of energy expenditure in relation to the perceptual demands of the communicative situation.