AUTOSEGMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Autosegment is a concept within linguistics that refers to the analysis of language sounds or features in a non-linear manner. In this framework, certain linguistic phenomena are seen as being composed of distinct units called autosegments, which operate independently of one another and can be represented visually.
Autosegments were introduced as part of the autosegmental phonology theory, developed in the 1970s by linguists such as John Goldsmith and Alan Prince. This theory aimed to address certain limitations of standard phonological models, which primarily focused on the linear sequence of sounds in a word or utterance.
In autosegmental phonology, features or segments of a linguistic unit are represented on separate tiers or levels, allowing for a more flexible analysis of interactions between segments. For example, the tone of a word in certain languages can be represented as an autosegment, separate from the consonants and vowels. These autosegments can be manipulated or modified independently, giving rise to a more dynamic understanding of phonological phenomena.
The use of autosegments extends beyond phonology and can be applied to other areas of linguistics, such as morphology. In this context, autosegments can represent specific features like stress or syllable boundaries, which interact and influence the formation of words.
Overall, autosegment refers to the fundamental units of analysis in autosegmental phonology, allowing for a more intricate examination of linguistic structure and the relationships between different elements.
Common Misspellings for AUTOSEGMENT
- zutosegment
- sutosegment
- wutosegment
- qutosegment
- aytosegment
- ahtosegment
- ajtosegment
- aitosegment
- a8tosegment
- a7tosegment
- aurosegment
- aufosegment
- augosegment
- auyosegment
- au6osegment
- au5osegment
- autisegment
- autksegment
- autlsegment
- autpsegment
Etymology of AUTOSEGMENT
The word "autosegment" originated within the field of linguistics, specifically in the area of phonology. It was coined by John Goldsmith in the mid-1970s to describe a new approach to representing the structure of phonological segments.
The term "auto-" in "autosegment" derives from the Greek word "autos", meaning "self" or "own". In this context, it refers to the idea that phonological segments have a level of structure separate from other aspects of phonological representation.
The word "segment" comes from the Latin word "segmentum", which refers to a piece or a part. In linguistics, a segment typically represents a discrete unit of sound, such as a vowel or consonant.
Therefore, "autosegment" describes the concept of representing phonological segments separately and independently from other linguistic features or levels of structure.
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