Understanding dissimilation is crucial for mastering the nuances of English pronunciation and phonology. While assimilation describes sounds becoming more similar to each other, dissimilation involves sounds becoming less similar.
It’s a less common phenomenon but equally important for phonological awareness. This article will provide a comprehensive exploration of dissimilation, covering its definition, types, rules, and common examples.
Whether you are an English language learner, a linguistics student, or simply interested in phonetics, this guide will deepen your understanding of how sounds change within words.
This article aims to equip you with the knowledge to recognize and understand dissimilation in English. We will cover various types of dissimilation, provide numerous examples, and offer practice exercises to reinforce your learning.
By the end of this article, you will be able to identify dissimilation processes and explain why they occur, further enhancing your overall grasp of English phonology.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Dissimilation
- Structural Breakdown of Dissimilation
- Types of Dissimilation
- Examples of Dissimilation
- Usage Rules of Dissimilation
- Common Mistakes in Understanding Dissimilation
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics in Dissimilation
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of Dissimilation
Dissimilation is a phonological process where similar sounds within a word become less alike. This change occurs to make the word easier to pronounce or distinguish. Unlike assimilation, where sounds become more similar, dissimilation creates greater phonetic divergence between sounds. It is less frequent than assimilation but plays a significant role in shaping the pronunciation of words over time. The process can be influenced by various factors, including speech rate, dialect, and individual speaker habits.
Dissimilation often involves altering one or more phonetic features of a sound, such as its place of articulation, manner of articulation, or voicing. The goal is to reduce the acoustic similarity between the sounds, making the word more easily understood.
This process can occur in various contexts and affects different types of sounds within the English language. Understanding dissimilation helps in analyzing variations in pronunciation and comprehending historical sound changes.
The process can sometimes be irregular, making it challenging to predict in all cases, but recognizing common patterns is essential for linguistic analysis.
Structural Breakdown of Dissimilation
The structure of dissimilation can be broken down into several key components. First, there must be two or more similar sounds within the word.
Second, one of these sounds undergoes a change. Third, the change makes the altered sound less similar to the remaining sound.
This process can affect adjacent sounds or sounds separated by other segments.
The general pattern can be represented as follows: /X…X/ → /X…Y/, where X and Y are sounds that are similar but distinct, and the ellipsis (…) represents intervening sounds or no intervening sounds at all. The specific features that change depend on the type of dissimilation.
For example, if the sounds share the same place of articulation, one might shift to a different place. If they share the same manner of articulation, one might change its manner.
The structural analysis also considers the environment in which the dissimilation occurs, including the surrounding sounds and the position within the word. Understanding these structural elements is crucial for identifying and analyzing instances of dissimilation in speech.
Types of Dissimilation
Dissimilation can be categorized based on the specific phonetic features that change. The primary types of dissimilation include place dissimilation, manner dissimilation, voicing dissimilation, and distance dissimilation.
Each type involves a distinct alteration of phonetic properties to reduce similarity between sounds.
Place Dissimilation
Place dissimilation occurs when sounds with a similar place of articulation become less alike. This often involves shifting the place of articulation of one sound to a different location in the mouth.
For example, a sound produced at the front of the mouth might shift to the back, or vice versa. This type of dissimilation aims to create greater articulatory contrast between the affected sounds.
Manner Dissimilation
Manner dissimilation involves changing the manner of articulation of a sound to make it less similar to another sound in the word. This can involve changing a stop consonant to a fricative, or a nasal consonant to an oral consonant.
The goal is to reduce the articulatory similarity in how the sounds are produced.
Voicing Dissimilation
Voicing dissimilation occurs when the voicing of a sound changes to become less similar to another sound in the word. This typically involves a voiced sound becoming voiceless or a voiceless sound becoming voiced.
The change aims to create a contrast in the vocal fold vibration between the affected sounds.
Distance Dissimilation
Distance dissimilation occurs when sounds that are separated by other sounds within a word become less alike. This type of dissimilation involves non-adjacent sounds influencing each other.
The distance between the sounds adds complexity to the process, as it is not a direct adjacency effect.
Examples of Dissimilation
To illustrate the different types of dissimilation, we will examine specific examples in English. These examples demonstrate how the phonetic features of sounds change to reduce similarity within words.
The examples are categorized by the type of dissimilation they exemplify.
Place Dissimilation Examples
Place dissimilation involves the change in the place of articulation of a sound to become less similar to another sound in the word. The table below provides several examples of this phenomenon.
| Original Word | Pronunciation (Original) | Pronunciation (Dissimilated) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colonel | /ˈkɜːr.nəl/ | /ˈkɜːr.nl̩/ | Loss of the second /ə/ sound makes the two ‘r’ sounds less similar in pronunciation. |
| February | /ˈfeb.ru.ˌɛr.i/ | /ˈfɛb.ju.ˌɛr.i/ | The first ‘r’ is sometimes dropped or reduced, changing the place of articulation. |
| Surprise | /sərˈpraɪz/ | /səˈpraɪz/ | Reduction of the first ‘r’ sound in some dialects. |
| Purple | /ˈpɜːr.pəl/ | /ˈpɜː.pəl/ | The first ‘r’ is sometimes dropped or reduced, changing the place of articulation. |
| Governor | /ˈɡʌv.ər.nər/ | /ˈɡʌv.ə.nər/ | Reduction in the pronunciation of the ‘r’ sounds. |
| Particular | /pərˈtɪk.jʊ.lər/ | /pəˈtɪk.jʊ.lər/ | Reduction in the pronunciation of the ‘r’ sounds. |
| Temperature | /ˈtem.pər.ə.tʃər/ | /ˈtem.pə.rə.tʃər/ | Reduction of the ‘r’ sound in the second syllable, especially in non-rhotic accents. |
| Library | /ˈlaɪ.brɛr.i/ | /ˈlaɪ.brɛ.ri/ | Reduction or elision of the second ‘r’ sound, particularly in some dialects. |
| Worcestershire | /ˈwʊs.tər.ʃər/ | /ˈwʊs.tə.ʃər/ | Simplification of the pronunciation by dropping the ‘r’ in the second syllable. |
| Gloucester | /ˈɡlɒs.tər/ | /ˈɡlɒs.tə/ | Simplification of the pronunciation by dropping the ‘r’. |
| Comfortable | /ˈkʌm.fər.tə.bəl/ | /ˈkʌm.fərt.ə.bəl/ | The /r/ sound is often reduced or omitted in casual speech, especially in non-rhotic accents. |
| Surprise | /sərˈpraɪz/ | /səˈpraɪz/ | The initial /r/ sound is sometimes reduced or omitted in certain dialects. |
| Probably | /ˈprɒb.ə.bli/ | /ˈprɒ.bə.bli/ | Elision of the /r/ sound, especially in rapid speech. |
| Interest | /ˈɪn.tər.ɪst/ | /ˈɪn.trɪst/ | Metathesis and elision of the /r/ sound, resulting in a simplified pronunciation. |
| Introduction | /ˌɪn.trəˈdʌk.ʃən/ | /ˌɪn.təˈdʌk.ʃən/ | Elision of the /r/ sound, particularly in certain dialects or rapid speech. |
| Specific | /spəˈsɪf.ɪk/ | /pəˈsɪf.ɪk/ | The /s/ sound changes to /p/. |
| Pilgrim | /ˈpɪl.ɡrɪm/ | /ˈpɪl.ɡlɪm/ | The /r/ sound changes to /l/ sound. |
| Amphora | /ˈæm.fə.rə/ | /ˈæm.pə.rə/ | The /f/ sound changes to /p/ sound. |
| Chimera | /kaɪˈmɪə.rə/ | /kɪˈmɪə.rə/ | The /aɪ/ sound changes to /ɪ/ sound. |
| Irrelevant | /ɪˈrel.ə.vənt/ | /ɪˈlev.ə.vənt/ | The /r/ sound changes to /l/ sound. |
Manner Dissimilation Examples
Manner dissimilation involves the change in the manner of articulation of a sound. The table below provides examples of this type of dissimilation.
| Original Word | Pronunciation (Original) | Pronunciation (Dissimilated) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fifth | /fɪfθ/ | /fɪθ/ | Simplification of the consonant cluster by dropping the /f/. |
| Something | /ˈsʌm.θɪŋ/ | /ˈsʌmp.θɪŋ/ | The /m/ sound changes to /p/ before the /θ/ sound. |
| Month | /mʌnθ/ | /mʌnt/ | The /n/ sound changes to /t/ before the /θ/ sound. |
| Twelfth | /twelfθ/ | /twelft/ | The /f/ sound is dropped to simplify the consonant cluster. |
| Width | /wɪdθ/ | /wɪtθ/ | The /d/ sound changes to /t/ before /θ/. |
| Clothes | /kloʊðz/ | /kloʊz/ | The /ð/ sound is dropped in casual speech. |
| Often | /ˈɒf.tən/ | /ˈɒf.ən/ | The /t/ sound is sometimes dropped, especially in British English. |
| Handsome | /ˈhæn.səm/ | /ˈhæn.ʃəm/ | The /s/ sound changes to /ʃ/ before certain vowels. |
| Anything | /ˈen.i.θɪŋ/ | /ˈen.i.fɪŋ/ | The /θ/ sound changes to /f/ as a simplification. |
| Nothing | /ˈnʌθ.ɪŋ/ | /ˈnʌf.ɪŋ/ | The /θ/ sound changes to /f/ as a simplification. |
| Something | /ˈsʌm.θɪŋ/ | /ˈsʌm.fɪŋ/ | The /θ/ sound changes to /f/ as a simplification. |
| Length | /leŋθ/ | /lentθ/ | The /ŋ/ sound changes to /n/ followed by /θ/ |
| Strength | /streŋθ/ | /strentθ/ | The /ŋ/ sound changes to /n/ followed by /θ/ |
| Warmth | /wɔːmθ/ | /wɔːmtθ/ | The /m/ sound changes to /m/ followed by /θ/ |
| Breadth | /bredθ/ | /bredtθ/ | The /d/ sound changes to /d/ followed by /θ/ |
| Depth | /depθ/ | /deptθ/ | The /p/ sound changes to /p/ followed by /θ/ |
| Width | /wɪdθ/ | /wɪdtθ/ | The /d/ sound changes to /d/ followed by /θ/ |
| Health | /helθ/ | /heltθ/ | The /θ/ sound changes to /t/ followed by /θ/ |
| Wealth | /welθ/ | /weltθ/ | The /θ/ sound changes to /t/ followed by /θ/ |
| Filth | /fɪlθ/ | /filttθ/ | The /θ/ sound changes to /t/ followed by /θ/ |
Voicing Dissimilation Examples
Voicing dissimilation involves changing the voicing of a sound to become less similar to another sound in the word. The table below provides examples of this type of dissimilation.
| Original Word | Pronunciation (Original) | Pronunciation (Dissimilated) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seven | /ˈsɛv.ən/ | /ˈsɛf.ən/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in some dialects. |
| Of | /ɒv/ | /ɒf/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in certain contexts. |
| Have to | /hæv tuː/ | /hæf tuː/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in certain contexts. |
| Leaves | /liːvz/ | /liːfs/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in certain contexts. |
| Knives | /naɪvz/ | /naɪfs/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in certain contexts. |
| Wolves | /wʊlvz/ | /wʊlfs/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in certain contexts. |
| Shelves | /ʃelvz/ | /ʃelfs/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in certain contexts. |
| Lives | /lɪvz/ | /lɪfs/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in certain contexts. |
| Wives | /waɪvz/ | /waɪfs/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in certain contexts. |
| Hooves | /huːvz/ | /huːfs/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in certain contexts. |
| Believes | /bɪˈliːvz/ | /bɪˈliːfs/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in certain contexts. |
| Caves | /keɪvz/ | /keɪfs/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in certain contexts. |
| Drives | /draɪvz/ | /draɪfs/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in certain contexts. |
| Gloves | /ɡlʌvz/ | /ɡlʌfs/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in certain contexts. |
| Groves | /ɡroʊvz/ | /ɡroʊfs/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in certain contexts. |
| Moves | /muːvz/ | /muːfs/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in certain contexts. |
| Proves | /pruːvz/ | /pruːfs/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in certain contexts. |
| Saves | /seɪvz/ | /seɪfs/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in certain contexts. |
| Serves | /sɜːrvz/ | /sɜːrfs/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in certain contexts. |
| Waves | /weɪvz/ | /weɪfs/ | The /v/ sound changes to /f/ in certain contexts. |
Distance Dissimilation Examples
Distance dissimilation involves the change in a sound due to the influence of another sound that is not adjacent. The table below provides examples of this type of dissimilation.
| Original Word | Pronunciation (Original) | Pronunciation (Dissimilated) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animate | /ˈæn.ɪ.meɪt/ | /ˈæn.ə.meɪt/ | The vowel in the second syllable changes to reduce similarity with the first syllable. |
| Granary | /ˈɡræn.ər.i/ | /ˈɡreɪn.ər.i/ | The vowel in the first syllable changes to reduce similarity with the second syllable. |
| Chamber | /ˈtʃeɪm.bər/ | /ˈtʃeɪn.bər/ | The vowel in the first syllable changes to reduce similarity with the second syllable. |
| Mammal | /ˈmæm.əl/ | /ˈmæb.əl/ | The /m/ sound changes to /b/ to reduce similarity with another /m/ sound. |
| Mirror | /ˈmɪr.ər/ | /ˈmɪl.ər/ | The /r/ sound changes to /l/ to reduce similarity with another /r/ sound. |
| Colonel | /ˈkɜːr.nəl/ | /ˈkɜːr.nl̩/ | Loss of the second /ə/ sound makes the two ‘r’ sounds less similar in pronunciation. |
| February | /ˈfeb.ru.ˌɛr.i/ | /ˈfɛb.ju.ˌɛr.i/ | The first ‘r’ is sometimes dropped or reduced, changing the place of articulation. |
| Surprise | /sərˈpraɪz/ | /səˈpraɪz/ | Reduction of the first ‘r’ sound in some dialects. |
| Purple | /ˈpɜːr.pəl/ | /ˈpɜː.pəl/ | The first ‘r’ is sometimes dropped or reduced, changing the place of articulation. |
| Governor | /ˈɡʌv.ər.nər/ | /ˈɡʌv.ə.nər/ | Reduction in the pronunciation of the ‘r’ sounds. |
| Particular | /pərˈtɪk.jʊ.lər/ | /pəˈtɪk.jʊ.lər/ | Reduction in the pronunciation of the ‘r’ sounds. |
| Temperature | /ˈtem.pər.ə.tʃər/ | /ˈtem.pə.rə.tʃər/ | Reduction of the ‘r’ sound in the second syllable, especially in non-rhotic accents. |
| Library | /ˈlaɪ.brɛr.i/ | /ˈlaɪ.brɛ.ri/ | Reduction or elision of the second ‘r’ sound, particularly in some dialects. |
| Worcestershire | /ˈwʊs.tər.ʃər/ | /ˈwʊs.tə.ʃər/ | Simplification of the pronunciation by dropping the ‘r’ in the second syllable. |
| Gloucester | /ˈɡlɒs.tər/ | /ˈɡlɒs.tə/ | Simplification of the pronunciation by dropping the ‘r’. |
| Comfortable | /ˈkʌm.fər.tə.bəl/ | /ˈkʌm.fərt.ə.bəl/ | The /r/ sound is often reduced or omitted in casual speech, especially in non-rhotic accents. |
| Surprise | /sərˈpraɪz/ | /səˈpraɪz/ | The initial /r/ sound is sometimes reduced or omitted in certain dialects. |
| Probably | /ˈprɒb.ə.bli/ | /ˈprɒ.bə.bli/ | Elision of the /r/ sound, especially in rapid speech. |
| Interest | /ˈɪn.tər.ɪst/ | /ˈɪn.trɪst/ | Metathesis and elision of the /r/ sound, resulting in a simplified pronunciation. |
| Introduction | /ˌɪn.trəˈdʌk.ʃən/ | /ˌɪn.təˈdʌk.ʃən/ | Elision of the /r/ sound, particularly in certain dialects or rapid speech. |
Usage Rules of Dissimilation
Dissimilation does not have strict rules that can be universally applied. It is often influenced by factors such as speech rate, dialect, and individual speaker habits.
However, some general tendencies can be observed. Dissimilation is more likely to occur when the similar sounds are close together in the word, although distance dissimilation can also occur.
It is also more common in rapid or casual speech, where speakers tend to simplify pronunciations. Additionally, certain dialects may exhibit specific dissimilation patterns.
It is important to note that dissimilation is not always predictable and may vary depending on the context. Understanding the general principles and observing common patterns can help in recognizing and analyzing instances of dissimilation.
However, it is crucial to consider the specific context and individual speaker variations when interpreting pronunciation changes.
Common Mistakes in Understanding Dissimilation
One common mistake is confusing dissimilation with assimilation. Remember that dissimilation involves sounds becoming less similar, while assimilation involves sounds becoming more similar.
Another mistake is assuming that dissimilation always occurs in a predictable and consistent manner. Dissimilation can be influenced by various factors and may not always occur in the same way.
Another common error is overlooking the role of dialect and individual speaker habits. Dissimilation patterns can vary depending on the dialect and the speaker’s pronunciation preferences.
It is important to consider these variations when analyzing pronunciation changes. Here are some examples of correct and incorrect analyses:
| Word | Incorrect Analysis | Correct Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Colonel | Assimilation of /r/ sounds | Dissimilation through vowel reduction, reducing similarity of /r/ sounds. |
| February | Assimilation of /r/ sounds | Dissimilation through /r/ elision, reducing similarity of /r/ sounds. |
| Something | Assimilation of /m/ to /n/ | Dissimilation of /m/ to /p/ before /θ/. |
| Often | Assimilation of /t/ to /n/ | Dissimilation through /t/ elision, making pronunciation easier. |
Practice Exercises
To reinforce your understanding of dissimilation, complete the following exercises. Identify whether dissimilation occurs in each word and, if so, describe the type of dissimilation involved.
- Identify the dissimilation process in “library” if the pronunciation changes from /ˈlaɪ.brɛr.i/ to /ˈlaɪ.brɛ.ri/.
- In some dialects, “surprise” is pronounced /səˈpraɪz/ instead of /sərˈpraɪz/. Is this dissimilation? If so, what kind?
- How would you describe the change from /ˈsʌm.θɪŋ/ to /ˈsʌmp.θɪŋ/ in “something”?
- Is there dissimilation in the pronunciation change of “often” from /ˈɒf.tən/ to /ˈɒf.ən/?
- Describe any dissimilation in the word “clothes” if pronounced /kloʊz/ instead of /kloʊðz/.
- Analyze the change in pronunciation from /hæv tuː/ to /hæf tuː/.
- Is there dissimilation in the word “fifth” when pronounced /fɪθ/? Explain.
- What type of dissimilation is observed if “mammal” changes from /ˈmæm.əl/ to /ˈmæb.əl/?
- How would you analyze the pronunciation change in “mirror” from /ˈmɪr.ər/ to /ˈmɪl.ər/?
- Identify the dissimilation process in “anything” if the pronunciation changes from /ˈen.i.θɪŋ/ to /ˈen.i.fɪŋ/.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Identify the dissimilation process in “library” if the pronunciation changes from /ˈlaɪ.brɛr.i/ to /ˈlaɪ.brɛ.ri/. | Distance dissimilation. The second /r/ is reduced or elided to be less similar to the first /r/. |
| 2. In some dialects, “surprise” is pronounced /səˈpraɪz/ instead of /sərˈpraɪz/. Is this dissimilation? If so, what kind? | Yes, place dissimilation. The initial /r/ is reduced or elided. |
| 3. How would you describe the change from /ˈsʌm.θɪŋ/ to /ˈsʌmp.θɪŋ/ in “something”? | Manner dissimilation. The /m/ changes to /p/ before /θ/. |
| 4. Is there dissimilation in the pronunciation change of “often” from /ˈɒf.tən/ to /ˈɒf.ən/? | Yes, dissimilation through elision. The /t/ sound is dropped. |
| 5. Describe any dissimilation in the word “clothes” if pronounced /kloʊz/ instead of /kloʊðz/. | Voicing dissimilation. The /ð/ is dropped, simplifying the pronunciation. |
| 6. Analyze the change in pronunciation from /hæv tuː/ to /hæf tuː/. | Voicing dissimilation. The /v/ changes to /f/. |
| 7. Is there dissimilation in the word “fifth” when pronounced /fɪθ/? Explain. | Manner dissimilation. The /f/ is dropped to simplify the consonant cluster. |
| 8. What type of dissimilation is observed if “mammal” changes from /ˈmæm.əl/ to /ˈmæb.əl/? | Distance dissimilation. The /m/ sound changes to /b/ to reduce similarity with another /m/ sound. |
| 9. How would you analyze the pronunciation change in “mirror” from /ˈmɪr.ər/ to /ˈmɪl.ər/? | Distance dissimilation. The /r/ sound changes to /l/ to reduce similarity with another /r/ sound. |
| 10. Identify the dissimilation process in “anything” if the pronunciation changes from /ˈen.i.θɪŋ/ to /ˈen.i.fɪŋ/. | Manner dissimilation. The /θ/ sound changes to /f/ as a simplification. |
Advanced Topics in Dissimilation
Advanced learners can explore more complex aspects of dissimilation, such as its historical development and cross-linguistic variations. Investigating the diachronic evolution of dissimilation patterns in English can provide insights into how sound changes have shaped the language over time.
Additionally, comparing dissimilation processes in different languages can reveal universal tendencies and language-specific characteristics.
Another advanced topic is the interaction of dissimilation with other phonological processes, such as assimilation and deletion. Understanding how these processes interact can provide a more comprehensive view of sound changes in speech.
Furthermore, exploring the phonetic and acoustic factors that influence dissimilation can enhance the understanding of its underlying mechanisms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the main difference between assimilation and dissimilation?
Assimilation is a phonological process where sounds become more similar to each other, while dissimilation is a process where sounds become less similar
to each other.
- Is dissimilation common in English?
Dissimilation is less common than assimilation but still occurs in various contexts and dialects of English.
- Can dissimilation change the meaning of a word?
Dissimilation typically does not change the meaning of a word but can alter its pronunciation. The meaning is usually preserved through context.
- What factors influence dissimilation?
Dissimilation can be influenced by speech rate, dialect, and individual speaker habits.
- Are there specific dialects where dissimilation is more prevalent?
Yes, certain dialects may exhibit specific dissimilation patterns. For example, some non-rhotic dialects frequently drop or reduce the /r/ sound.
- How can I improve my understanding of dissimilation?
Practice identifying dissimilation in different words and contexts, and listen to various speakers to observe dialectal variations.
- Is dissimilation a type of speech error?
No, dissimilation is a natural phonological process, not a speech error. It’s a systematic change that occurs to ease pronunciation.
- Can dissimilation occur across word boundaries?
While less common, dissimilation can sometimes occur across word boundaries in rapid speech.
- Does dissimilation affect vowels as well as consonants?
Yes, dissimilation can affect vowels, although it is more commonly observed with consonants.
- How does dissimilation relate to historical linguistics?
Dissimilation plays a role in historical sound changes, contributing to the evolution of language over time.
Conclusion
Dissimilation is a fascinating phonological process that helps make words easier to pronounce by reducing the similarity between sounds. Although less common than assimilation, it is an important aspect of English phonology.
By understanding the different types of dissimilation, recognizing common examples, and practicing identification, you can enhance your knowledge of how sounds change in speech. Whether you are a student of linguistics, a language learner, or simply curious about phonetics, mastering the concept of dissimilation will deepen your appreciation for the complexities of language and pronunciation.