[The instability of word-final alveolar plosives in German: an electropalatographic investigation (author's transl)]

Descriptive autority analyses of continuous texts in German have shown that word-final alveolar plosives are frequently assimilated to following labials and velars. On the basis of illustrative data this experimental investigation deals with the question of whether the alveolar movement is completely eliminated by articulatory control or whether coarticulation arises which involves the preservation of the articulatory gesture without a perceptual consequence. As regards the experimental procedure, a method of dynamic palatography is used and described here, also in respect of its limitations. Material from one subject is then discussed and the direction of future research in this area outlined with regard to new experiments and the necessary instrumental facilities. Finally, the special articulatory and physiological status of alveolar consonants in general is considered as well as ensuing consequences for sound change.

PMID: 1257319 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]