Here's a breakdown:
What they are:
* Binary: Most phonological features are binary, meaning they are either present (+ feature) or absent (- feature). For example, a sound can be either voiced (+) or voiceless (-).
* Abstract: They represent underlying properties of sounds, not necessarily directly observable characteristics. For example, the feature "nasal" refers to the involvement of the nasal cavity in producing the sound, not the sound's actual pronunciation.
* Universal: Phonological features are generally considered universal across languages, although their specific combinations and interactions might vary.
Why they matter:
* Distinctive Features: They distinguish between sounds and create contrasts in meaning. For example, the feature "continuant" differentiates between /s/ (continuant, air flows freely) and /t/ (non-continuant, air flow is stopped).
* Phonological Rules: Phonological features drive sound changes and patterns in a language. For example, a rule might state that a voiceless stop becomes voiced when it's between two vowels.
* Language Acquisition: Children acquire phonological features as they learn to speak, and these features influence their sound production.
Examples of Phonological Features:
* Place of Articulation: Where in the mouth the sound is produced (e.g., labial, alveolar, velar).
* Manner of Articulation: How the air stream is modified (e.g., stop, fricative, liquid).
* Voicing: Whether the vocal cords vibrate during production (e.g., voiced, voiceless).
* Nasal: Whether the nasal cavity is involved (e.g., nasal, oral).
* Rounded: Whether the lips are rounded (e.g., rounded, unrounded).
In Conclusion:
Phonological features are essential tools for understanding the structure and function of sounds in languages. They provide a framework for analyzing and describing sound systems, explaining sound changes, and understanding how children learn to speak. They are a fundamental concept in phonetics and phonology, allowing linguists to delve deeper into the intricate world of speech.