Abstract
In previous volumes of this journal, a dynamic, nonsegmental phonology has been developed and applied to some traditional problems in German phonology. The German uvular /R/, however, appears to be particularly problematic, for the segmental allophones vary drastically in segment type — from consonant, to semi-consonant, to semi-vowel, to vowel. When a dynamic phonological analysis is used, though, the alleged allophones once again can be shown not to exist as anything pertinent to the consonantal obstruction itself. The /R/ is analyzed simply as postdorsal constraint, and the manner in which this postdorsal constraint is perceived depends upon the syllabic characteristics of tension, stress, and duration. Thus, the perception of the differences is due not to any inherent features of the obstruction /R/, but rather to the interaction of the regular element of the syllabic frame quite normally adhering to the principle of direction of constraint.
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