Segmentals and Suprasegmentals

Segmentals and Suprasegmentals

1. Segmentals

   • Sounds or phonemes, units arranged in a sequential order.
   • Examples:
     • Bookstore: b/o/o/K/s/t/o/r/e : has 8 segmentals phonemes
     • Cat: c/a/t: consists of 3 segments
   • Consists in:
     • Vowels
     • Consonants
   • Phonemes which can be segmented.

2. Suprasegmentals

   • Are those aspects of speech that involve more than single sound segments (whole words or phrases).
   • Word strees
     • Word stress is a feature used to give prominence to one or more syllables within a word.
     • Word stress distinguish in three possible levels:
       • Primary Stress:
         • marked by ˈ preceding the relevant syllable
       • Secondary Stress
         • marked by ˌ preceding the syllable in question
       • Unstressed
   • Intonation
     • Is the sound pattern of phrases and sentences prduced by pith variation in the voice.
     • Types of Intonation
       • Rising Intonation
         • the pitch of the voice increases over time
       • Falling Intonation
         • the picth decreases with time
       • Dipping Intonation
         • falls and then rises
       • Peaking Intonation
         • rises and then falls
     • The frequency of vibration of the vocal folds is modulated in order to achieve particular effects on the speaker.
   • Is a phoneme which can't be segmented or separate, because it may change the meaning.

3. Why are important?

   • Because both segmental and suprasegmental information provide useful information in spoken word recognition.
   • Because segmental and suprasegmental contribute to reading comprehension.

4. References:

   • Segmental vs. Suprasegmental. (n.d.). Retrieved May 11, 2022, from http://martinweisser.org/courses/intro/segVsupra.html
   • Nordquist, R. (2018, September 27). Phonological Segments: Units of Sound. Thought CO. https://www.thoughtco.com/segment-phonology-and-phonetics-1691934
   • Veenendaal, N. J., Groen, M. A., & Verhoeven, L. (2016). The Contribution of Segmental and Suprasegmental Phonology to Reading Comprehension. Reading Research Quarterly, 51(1), 55–66. https://doi.org/10.1002/RRQ.127/FULL

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