Phonology: Introduction to Minimal Distinctions 1.1

This exercise is designed to be an introduction to distinguishing phonemes by noting the feature that differentiates one from the other. For each set of phonemes, state the feature that the two phonemes DO NOT share, in other words, the minimal distinction. Ex: /p/ vs. /b/ The one feature that distinguishes these sounds from each other is voicing. Both are bilabial. Both are plosives. However, /p/ is voiceless and /b/ is voiced. Thus the feature 'voicing' distinguished these two phonemes one from the other. For each of the following questions, select the minimal distinguishing feature. Consonants have three distinguishing features: 1. POA– place of articulation 2. MOA – manner of articulation 3. Voicing Vowels have four distinguishing features: 1. Backness 2. Height 3. Lip rounding 4. Tensing