Iconicity vs. Arbitrariness of Sound Symbolism Phenomenon through a Contrastive Analysis Framework (Published)
This paper reports on the comparison and contrast drawn between sound symbols of Persian, English, and Spanish In order to embody the form-meaning relationship from a universal point of view. 140 sound symbols chosen from Persian onomatopoeic dictionary (1996) and their English and Spanish counterparts were first categorized according to Hinton et al.’s (1994) typology. Using Contrastive Analysis Hypothesis the phonemes were described and contrasted in three languages afterwards. Prediction was made consequently. Together the findings suggest that no absolute arbitrariness or iconicity could be considered for sound symbols. As a matter of fact there are different sound symbols categories and each is of a special degree of iconicity/arbitrariness. It is inferred that a continuum can best demonstrate the order and degree of iconicity for sound symbols.
Keywords: Contrastive Analysis, English, Persian, Sound Symbols, Spanish
CONTRASTIVE ANALYSIS OF SOME SUPRASEGMENTAL FEATURES OF IGALA AND ENGLISH PHONLOGY (Published)
This paper is an attempt to do a contrastive study of some aspects of the supra-segmental features of Igala and English phonology. It provides an opportunity to analyse the errors in the speech of Igala second language (L2) speakers of English. The framework used in the analysis is the autosegmental theory. Autosegmental theory lays claim to non-linear representation of sounds. Autosegmental phonology is adopted for its theoretical elegance and empirical relevance. A tiered approach to the study gives one an opportunity to analyse the speech errors in terms that are easy to appreciate; especially since the processes are characterized in such a way as to reflect the realities of phonological structure and organisation. Interviews and participant observation were used to obtain data. These were later supplemented by listening comprehension tests.
Keywords: Contrastive Analysis, English Phonlogy, Igala, Suprasegmental Features