"autosegmental phonology"的定义和意义

What is "autosegmental phonology"?

Autosegmental phonology is a theoretical framework that analyzes how phonological features are organized and represented in language. Developed by John Goldsmith, this approach emphasizes the idea that certain phonological characteristics, such as tone and vowel length, can operate independently of one another and be represented on separate tiers or levels. This allows for a more flexible understanding of how sounds interact and change in different contexts. Autosegmental phonology helps to explain complex phonological phenomena, such as tonal languages, by showing how features can be associated with different segments in a way that reflects their unique roles in speech.