Evolutionary Phonology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 9750 words

Evolutionary Phonology - Essay casefuls stark naked ground in addressing the interrelationship between classic linguistic system, phonetics and phonological theory to propose a new ideal of sound patterns, which moves away from some of the assumptions of the previous synchronistic nuzzle. In doing so Blevins evolutionary model undertakes a detailed examination of variations in sound patterns and sound changes over a period of 7,000 to 8,000 years and uses this time period to address the similarities between genetically unrelated languages (Blevins 1).One of quadruple mechanisms leading to regular sound change and regular sound patterns. Within evolutionary phonology, as in traditional neogrammarian models, variability along the hyper-to-hypoarticulation continuum provides the exemplar space from which new phonological representations can emerge (Sole et al, 151).The management of this paper is to critically evaluate Blevins model of evolutionary phonology and it is submitted a t the outset that the defining broker of Blevins model for phonetics is that she seeks to explain the similarities and developments in sound patterns as opposed to accepting pre-existing assumptions in coexistent linguistic theory pertaining to phonetics and final voicing in particular.Moreover, Blevins undertakes both a quantitative and qualitative approach to her research in order to formulate further research questions regarding the current predominance of a synchronistic model for addressing recurring sound patterns. To this end, Blevins utilises the quantitative approach as a precursor to the qualitative research in order to support her findings in proposing an evolutionary phonology paradigm.Nevertheless, whilst it is submitted that the evolutionary phonology model undoubtedly breaks new ground in addressing causality in recurrent sound patterns from a historicist perspective Blevins work clear underlines the need to undertake further research in this area. Accordingly, in evaluating Blevins