Phonetic and Phonological trench work -
Part 1: Transcription
Using the IPA symbols provided in the text (see the phonetics chapter, slides etc.), please broadly1 transcribe the English language of the late (and I'd argue, great) Agnes Martin in the linked Youtube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-JfYjmo5OA) (0:42-1:15 only). In the clip, Agnes Martin discusses her craft for our benefit; there's an informative article about her art linked here (https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2016/07/14/the-heroic-art-of-agnes-martin/). Broadly transcribe her native North American English for the specified 33 seconds, including every phonetic segment that she produces during that time. You can experiment with a narrower (e.g., using diacritics) transcription if you like, but make sure your consonants and vowels are accurate.
Part 2: Diagramming morpheme layers in words
Diagram the following 3 words (a-c, below). Then label every morpheme as:
(i) free or bound;
(ii) derivational or inflectional (the stem/root morpheme will not have this designation since it did not "come" from another form).
a) contours
b) glassier
c) loveliest
Part 3: East coast English phonology
Some East coast dialects have additional diphthongs in inventory, like [?j].
Based on the data below, argue if [?j] and [aj] are contrastive or in complementary distribution and why you think so. If the two sounds are contrastive, provide evidence why you think so. If the two sounds are in complementary distribution, (a) specify the distribution of allophones in a formal phonological rule and (b) be clear about what the underlying phoneme is and why you think so. Please show your work to assure at least partial credit.
Pronounced token Gloss Pronounced token Gloss
1. [b?jt] 'bite' 9. [f?jt] 'fight'
2. [tajm] 'time' 10. [taj] 'tie'
3. [baj] 'buy' 11. [t?jp] 'type'
4. [rajd] 'ride' 12. [r?js] 'rice'
5. [najnθ] 'ninth' 13. [rajz] 'rise'
6. [fajl] 'file' 14. [fajr] 'fire'
7. [wr?jt] 'write' 15. [l?jf] 'life'
8. [b?jk] 'bike' 16. [bajd] 'bide'
Analysis:
Syntax & Semantics -
Part 1 Sentence types: English Clauses
Directions: In the spaces provided next to sentences 1-6 below, write "S" for sentences that contain only one clause and "E" for sentences that contain embedded clauses. Circle all subordinators, bearing in mind that not all embedded clauses are marked by subordinators.
EXAMPLE ___E___ The troubadours explained that the new lyrics were too explicit. (w/ subordinator 'that' circled)
(1) _______ My first meeting with Eric Brownstein was in 1876, at the famous pastry shop on Sugar Street.
(2) _______ I am reminded of the musty dissecting room in the catacombs of that building.
(3) _______ The students gathered every dusk that it did not rain.
(4) _______ I clearly recalled the recitation because Brownstein had been boorish during the intermission.
(5) _______ I was greatly impressed by the frankness of his expression, the generosity of his manner, and the peculiarly attractive quality of his voice.
(6) _______ There must be few of his friends who have not felt the same glow that I felt that day.
Part 2 Sentence types: More English clause fun
DIRECTION: Underline the subject and verb of every clause in sentences (1-6), above. Use a single underline for the subject and a double underline for the verb -see example below). Then give the clause count for each sentence and write that number under the place where you wrote "S" or "E".
EXAMPLE: ___E___ As Sally was leaving, Mark handed her a large envelope.
Part 3 Sentence diagrams
Draw trees/diagrams for the following 4 sentences. Think about how the constituents fit together and (always) follow phrase structure rules.
1) The apathetic soloist requested a raise in a serious voice on Sunday.
2) The crusty old general had a nasty habit of spitting in the flower vases for good luck.
3) Thinking occupied Descartes until the end of his days.
4) The wily priest with the shaven head grabbed the branch with his bony hands.
Part 4 English passives
Directions: Underline each passive-voice verb and bracket the underlying (deep) subject of the passive-voice clause; if the subject does not appear in the surface structure of the passive write NA for "No Agent" after the sentence.
EXAMPLE The movie was directed by [Fernando Trevino Lozano].
EXAMPLE An ogre was killed after midnight. NA
1) No squid were injured by sailors during the undersea voyage.
2) The window was shattered at dusk.
3) Revisions to the homework were not made by classtime.
4) The archer was maimed during the tournament by the knight with a red helmet.
Part 5 Semantic roles
Directions: Above each underlined NP, identify its semantic role in its clause by writing the abbreviation for the role above it.
A = Agent P = Patient B = Benefactive
E = Experiencer I = Instrument C = Cause
R = Recipient TM = Temporal L = Location