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Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Education

Free Phonology Knowledge Test

Evaluate Your Understanding of Phonological Sound Systems

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting elements related to Phonology Knowledge Test quiz

Dive into this engaging Phonology Knowledge Test designed to challenge your understanding of sound systems and phonemic transcription. Ideal for linguistics students and language enthusiasts, this phonology quiz offers clear feedback and the flexibility to refine questions in the editor. By tackling each question, you'll gain sharper insights into phonological patterns and transcription skills. Explore related topics like the Anatomy Knowledge Test or dive into broader knowledge with the History Knowledge Test. Keep learning with more quizzes to master every linguistic concept.

In English, the sounds [p] and [pÊ°] are considered:
Allophones
Minimal pairs
Distinct phonemes
Free variations
In English, [p] and [pÊ°] are contextually predictable variants of the same phoneme /p/, so they are allophones. They do not contrast to create different words, and their distribution is conditioned by phonetic environment.
Which of the following is a minimal pair contrasting /b/ and /p/ in English?
bag/back
bat/pat
cat/pat
bad/bat
"bat" /bæt/ and "pat" /pæt/ differ only by the voicing of the initial consonant, making them a classic minimal pair for /b/ vs. /p/. The other pairs differ in additional segments or features.
Which IPA symbol represents a voiceless bilabial stop?
[t]
[d]
[p]
[b]
The symbol [p] denotes the voiceless bilabial stop. [b] is its voiced counterpart, while [t] and [d] are alveolar stops.
In the word "photograph" /ˈfoʊtəˌɡræf/, which syllable carries the primary stress?
First syllable
Third syllable
Second syllable
Fourth syllable
The primary stress in "photograph" falls on the first syllable, as indicated by the primary stress marker (ˈ) before /foʊ/ in the transcription.
Which onset cluster is illicit according to English phonotactic constraints?
pl-
tl-
st-
gl-
English does not allow the consonant sequence /tl/ in syllable onsets. Clusters like /st/, /pl/, and /gl/ are all well-formed in English.
What type of phonological process converts /t/ to an alveolar flap [ɾ] in American English when it appears between vowels?
Deletion
Fortition
Lenition
Reduplication
The change from /t/ to a flap [ɾ] in intervocalic position is a lenition process, as the consonant becomes weaker or more sonorous.
In the rule /s/ â†' [z] / V_V, what process is illustrated?
Voicing assimilation
Metathesis
Devoicing
Vowel reduction
This rule shows voicing assimilation: the voiceless fricative /s/ becomes voiced [z] between vowels.
Which pair provides evidence that aspiration in English is allophonic, not phonemic?
tip/tip
pin/spin
cap/cab
bat/pat
The pair "pin" [pʰɪn] vs. "spin" [spɪn] shows aspirated vs. unaspirated /p/, but since an /s/ precedes in "spin," aspiration is allophonic, not distinguishing words.
Which of these feature specifications correctly describes the sound [f]?
[-voice, +continuant, +alveolar]
[+voice, +continuant, +labiodental]
[+voice, -continuant, +labiodental]
[-voice, +continuant, +labiodental]
[f] is voiceless ( - voice), a continuant (airflow is not fully obstructed), and made with the lower lip against the upper teeth (+labiodental).
What is the correct broad phonetic transcription of the word "judge"?
/dzuk/
/tʃʌtʃ/
/ʤʌɡ/
/dÊ'ÊŒdÊ'/
"Judge" is transcribed /dÊ'ÊŒdÊ'/ with the voiced postalveolar affricate [dÊ'] at both ends and the vowel [ÊŒ] in the middle.
In English intonation, a rising pitch at the end of a clause typically indicates:
Emphasis
A statement
A question
A command
A rising pitch contour at the end of an utterance is commonly used to signal that the speaker is asking a yes - no question.
Which word has primary stress on the second syllable?
decide
present
impact
record
"decide" is pronounced /dɪˈsaɪd/, with primary stress on the second syllable. The other words have primary stress on the first syllable.
Which sequence violates English coda phonotactic constraints?
/bn/
/mp/
/ks/
/Å‹/
English does not allow the cluster /bn/ at syllable coda. Clusters like /ks/, nasal codas /Å‹/, and /mp/ are all permitted.
What suprasegmental feature primarily distinguishes the noun "record" from the verb "record" in English?
Intonation
Tone
Vowel quality
Stress placement
The noun /ˈrÉ›k.É™rd/ has stress on the first syllable, while the verb /rɪˈkÉ"rd/ has stress on the second; stress placement marks the category.
In American English, the glottal stop [Ê"] replacement of /t/ in "button" competes with aspiration. Given the rules: (1) /t/ â†' [tÊ°] / #_V; (2) /t/ â†' [Ê"] / V_#, which ordering derives [ˈbÊŒÊ"nÌ©]?
Apply both rules simultaneously
Apply rule (2) then rule (1)
Apply rule (1) then rule (2)
No ordering is needed
Glottalization (rule 2) must apply before aspiration; if aspiration ran first, the environment for glottal stop would be lost. Applying rule (2) first yields [Ê"], then blocks aspiration.
Which phonotactic constraint is characteristic of Japanese syllable structure?
Only CV syllables with no exceptions
No consonant clusters anywhere
No onsets at all
No codas except /n/
Japanese permits only the nasal /n/ as a coda; other consonant clusters or codas are disallowed, though gemination and moraic /n/ are exceptions.
When rule A "feeds" rule B in phonology, what occurs?
Rule A creates an environment in which rule B can apply
Rule A blocks the environment for rule B
Rules A and B apply to different morphemes
Rules A and B are in complementary distribution
Feeding order means the output of rule A creates new contexts that allow rule B to apply, so rule B depends on rule A applying first.
What is the correct phonetic transcription of "unexpected" with primary and secondary stress?
[ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktəd]
[ˌʌnɛkˈspɛktəd]
[ˈʌnɪkˌspɛktɪd]
[ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd]
"unexpected" is transcribed [ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktəd], with secondary stress on the first syllable and primary stress on the third.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify phonemes and allophones in spoken words.
  2. Analyze phonological rules governing sound patterns.
  3. Distinguish between minimal pairs in various contexts.
  4. Apply knowledge of features to transcribe phonetic symbols.
  5. Evaluate suprasegmental elements like stress and intonation.
  6. Demonstrate understanding of phonotactic constraints in languages.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand the distinction between phonemes and allophones. - Phonemes are the smallest units of sound that can change a word's meaning, while allophones are those playful pronunciation variations that don't alter the message. For example, the /p/ in "spin" versus "pin" feel slightly different but still belong to the same phoneme family. Mastering this distinction is like unlocking a secret code of how sounds work together in language. Phonetics and Phonology: Key Concepts and Practice Tips
  2. Learn to identify minimal pairs. - Minimal pairs are word duos that differ by only one sound, making them perfect detectives for spotting phonemes in action. When you compare "bat" and "pat," you see how swapping just one sound can flip the meaning entirely. These tiny sound switches are your best friends for sharpening listening and speaking precision. Phonology Key Terms Flashcards
  3. Analyze phonological rules governing sound patterns. - Phonological rules explain how sounds transform in different contexts, like why the English plural "-s" becomes [s] in "cats" but [z] in "dogs." By breaking down these patterns, you'll start seeing the hidden grammar of sounds in every word you speak and hear. It's like having a backstage pass to the theater of your own speech. Phonological Rules
  4. Practice transcribing words using phonetic symbols. - The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is your superhero toolkit for capturing exact pronunciations on paper. Transcription exercises help you decode unfamiliar accents and communicate with pinpoint accuracy. Soon you'll be reading and writing speech sounds like a true phonology pro! Readings | Language and Its Structure I: Phonology
  5. Explore suprasegmental features like stress and intonation. - Stress, rhythm, and intonation give speech its melody and emotion, turning plain words into expressive tunes. For instance, stressing different words in "I never said she stole my money" completely flips the implied meaning. Playing with these features is like being the conductor of your own vocal orchestra. Phonology | EBSCO Research Starters
  6. Understand phonotactic constraints in languages. - Phonotactic rules set the stage for which sound combinations are allowed or forbidden in a language. English happily starts words with "str" as in "street" but shies away from beginnings like "ng." Knowing these constraints means you can predict and explain why certain word forms feel "right" or "wrong." Phonotactics
  7. Study the Sonority Sequencing Principle (SSP). - The SSP is a smart guideline that orders sounds by their loudness or "sonority" within syllables - from quiet stops to booming vowels. It explains why syllables naturally climb in sonority towards the vowel and then taper off again. Understanding this makes syllable analysis feel like solving a fun puzzle! Phonotactics
  8. Familiarize yourself with distinctive features in phonology. - Distinctive features - like voicing, nasality, or tongue position - are the mini-ingredients that set phonemes apart. Recognizing that /b/ is voiced while /p/ is voiceless helps you classify and compare sounds systematically. It's like learning the flavor profiles for every consonant and vowel in the language pantry. Readings | Language and Its Structure I: Phonology
  9. Examine the concept of neutralization. - Neutralization happens when phonemic contrasts disappear in certain positions, like German final devoicing where [b] becomes [p] at the end of words. This sneaky phenomenon shows you how context can blur the lines between distinct sounds. Spotting neutralization is like uncovering a linguistic magic trick! Phonology Key Terms Flashcards
  10. Review the structure of syllables. - Every syllable usually splits into an onset, nucleus, and coda, forming its internal architecture. By mapping these parts, you'll better understand stress patterns, rhythm, and why some words feel punchier than others. Analyzing syllable structure is like drawing the blueprint of spoken words. Phonetics and Phonology: Key Concepts and Practice Tips
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