Register in Khmer: The laryngeal specification of pharyngeal expansion.

Abstract

The theory of "feature geometry" is an attempt to organize a finite set of features into a universal hierarchy. This hierarchy has the desirable effect of constraining phonological rules and representations by determining which sets of features may operate together as a natural class and which may not. This thesis investigates pharyngeal expansion as a distinctive feature of Khmer vowels and its representation with respect to this universal hierarchy. Previous work on Khmer has suggested that the feature of Khmer vowels known as "register" is phonetically articulated as pharyngeal expansion and therefore should be phonologically represented with the feature (Advanced Tongue Root), henceforth (ATR). Current feature hierarchy proposals have argued that the feature (ATR) is a dependent of the (Place) tier, under which are found features which relate to articulatory gestures of the tongue. The hypothesis advanced here is that "register" involves a lowered larynx and therefore, should be represented by a feature such as (Lowered Larynx), dependent on the (Laryngeal) tier. In order to investigate this hypothesis, the phonological rules of register harmony in Khmer are analyzed. The distinctive features and structures of Khmer are determined from an examination of consonant and vowel co-occurrence restrictions and nasal assimilation. It is shown that the class of segments which block register harmony must be specified with laryngeal features. Therefore, it is concluded that register is phonologically laryngeal. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)