Learning Module 6 Narrow Transcription SPAU 3343 Phonetics

Learning Module 6 Narrow Transcription SPAU 3343 – Phonetics Slides by Sonya Mehta

In this LM you will review: What narrow phonetic transcription is. How narrow transcription is different than broad transcription. How to convert broad transcription into narrow transcription in seven easy steps.

Narrow Transcription A transcription style that focuses on the specific details of speech. Why use it? Narrow transcription is very useful in noting the little details in speech that make phonemes sound different from typical GAE. ◦ This is good for: Articulation therapy, Foreign accent reduction therapy, and Describing unusual speech sounds to otherapists.

Broad vs. Narrow Transcription Broad Narrow More general: More specific: uses phonemes and allophones. Uses //s Uses []s to indicate transcription. No diacritics. Has /ɚ/, /ən/, and /əɫ/. Has diacritics. Has /ɹ /, /n /, and /ɫ /.

Go from broad to narrow! By now, you should be able to broadly transcribe with relative ease and confidence. Narrow transcription seems more complicated, but it doesn’t have to be! ◦ Just start with the basics and build up from there.

Step 1: Broad transcription Broadly transcribe the utterance. Use []s instead of //s. Ex 1: “practical” Ex 2: “anthems” /ˈpɹæktɪkəl/ /ˈænθəmz/

Step 1: Broad transcription Broadly transcribe the utterance. Use []s instead of //s. Ex 1: “practical” Ex 2: “anthems” [ˈpɹæktɪkəl] [ˈænθəmz] TA Tip! After this step, you can order the steps in whatever way works best for you. Just make sure you include all the rules!

Step 2: Look for possible syllabics. ◦ Possible syllablics: /ɹ/, /l/, /m/, /n/, and /ŋ/ ◦ Remember: Syllabics can’t have a single consonant dangling on the end. Ex 1: “practical” Ex 2: “anthems” [ˈpɹæktɪkəl] [ˈænθəmz]

Step 2: Look for possible syllabics. ◦ Possible syllablics: /ɹ/, /l/, /m/, /n/, and /ŋ/ (after a schwa) ◦ Remember: Syllabics can’t have a single consonant dangling on the end. Ex 1: “practical” Ex 2: “anthems” [ˈpɹæktɪkəl] [ˈænθəmz]

Step 2: Look for possible syllabics. ◦ Possible syllablics: /ɹ/, /l/, /m/, /n/, and /ŋ/ ◦ Remember: Syllabics can’t have a single consonant dangling on the end. Ex 1: “practical” Ex 2: “anthems” [ˈpɹæktɪkl ] [ˈænθəmz]

Step 3: Since we’ve already found the nasals (/m/, /n/, and /ŋ/), nasalize the vowels before them. Velarize /l/s coming after vowels or at the end of the word. Ex 1: “practical” Ex 2: “anthems” [ˈpɹæktɪkl ] [ˈænθəmz]

Step 3: Since we’ve already found the nasals (/m/, /n/, and /ŋ/), nasalize the vowels before them. Velarize /l/s coming after vowels or at the end of the word. Ex 1: “practical” Ex 2: “anthems” [ˈpɹæktɪkɫ ] [ˈæ nθə mz]

Step 4: Look for /θ/ and /ð/. Dentalize the alveolars before them. ◦ Alveolars: /n/, /t/, /d/, /s/, /z/, /l/ and /ɹ/ Ex 1: “practical” Ex 2: “anthems” [ˈpɹæktɪkɫ ] [ˈæ nθə mz]

Step 4: Look for /θ/ and /ð/. Dentalize the alveolars before them. ◦ Alveolars: /n/, /t/, /d/, /s/, /z/, /l/ and /ɹ/ Ex 1: “practical” Ex 2: “anthems” [ˈpɹæktɪkɫ ] [ˈæ n θə mz]

Step 5: Look for stops at the beginning of a syllable: ◦ Aspirate voiceless stops right after a stress mark. ◦ Partially devoice liquids after an aspirate stop. Ex 1: “practical” Ex 2: “anthems” [ˈpɹæktɪkɫ ] [ˈæ n θə mz]

Step 5: Look for stops at the beginning of a syllable: ◦ Aspirate voiceless stops right after a stress mark. ◦ Partially devoice liquids after an aspirate stop. Ex 1: “practical” Ex 2: “anthems” [ˈpʰɹ æktɪkɫ ] [ˈæ n θə mz] TA Tip! Stops become unaspirated after /s/ - by only looking for stops just after stress marks, Rule 3 should be a piece of cake!

Step 6: Look for stops at the end of a syllable: ◦ If it is next to another stop, put an unreleased mark. ◦ If it is voiceless and right after a vowel, put a glottal stop in front (also do this for /ʧ/s). Ex 1: “practical” Ex 2: “anthems” [ˈpʰɹ æktɪkɫ ] [ˈæ n θə mz]

Step 6: Look for stops at the end of a syllable: ◦ If it is next to another stop, put an unreleased mark. ◦ If it is voiceless and right after a vowel, put a glottal stop in front (also do this for /ʧ/s). Ex 1: “practical” Ex 2: “anthems” [ˈpʰɹ æʔk tɪʔkɫ ] [ˈæ n θə mz]

Step 7: Narrow transcription Double check /t/s and /d/s: ◦ If between a stressed and unstressed syllable, flap it. ◦ If before a nasal, change /t/s to /ʔ/s. Ex 1: “practical” Ex 2: “anthems” [ˈpʰɹ æʔk tɪʔkɫ ] [ˈæ n θə mz] re! e h e Non TA Tip! During quizzes, you may not have time ere! h r to complete each step slowly, so. Opractice until you transcribe narrowly with ease!

Exercise 06 Narrow Transcription

Exercise 06 Click the speaker to listen to the word. Do not play a word more than 3 times. Transcribe these words in narrow (phonetic) fashion. Don’t forget to mark primary stress! 1. 6. 2. 7. 3. 8. 4. 9. 5. 10.