Phonological characterization of the vocalic segments in Prata - MG

Abstract

This article discusses the phonological characterization of vocalic segments through distinctive features, following a specification of features according to a more traditional approach. The features [high] and [ATR] are used to establish a distinction between mid vowels. Only [-ATR] is responsible for identifying a common group between low-mid vowels and the low vowel. The data collected in the city of Prata, located in the Triângulo Mineiro region, Brazil, reveal a considerable number of cases that indicate a motivated vowel lowering, especially through the process of vowel harmony. That means that, when in stressed syllable or contiguous position, the low-mid vowel and the low vowel interfere with the production of the low-mid vowel in pre-stressed syllable position. According to the Optimality Theory, more specifically the partial constraint ranking, it is possible to establish a ranking for the cases concerning a vowel harmony motivated by the feature [-ATR].