Phonetic transfer in Diné Bizaad (Navajo)

Abstract

Abstract Research on bilingual populations finds that phonetic transfer between languages is common, especially in similar sounds. Yet, phonetic studies that include bilingual speakers of Indigenous languages remain rare. This paper analyzes phonetic transfer in Diné Bizaad (Navajo), a Dene language indigenous to North America. Specifically, I examine the evidence for intergenerational change and convergence with English in the release period durations of Diné affricated stops [kx, tx]. The analysis is based on tokens of Diné [kx, tx] and English [kh, th] extracted from recent interviews with 51 Diné-English bilinguals. Release durations of targeted sounds are measured, compared with earlier analogous measurements, and statistically analyzed to assess age effects. Participants, especially younger speakers, are predicted to produce Diné [kx, tx] with shorter releases than earlier measurements, and with releases that align more with similar English sounds. Data confirm that speakers pronounce Diné [kx], but not [tx], with shorter durations; younger participants also produce [kx] with the shortest releases, and with durations closest to English [kh]. Results suggest that perceptual similarity between velar sounds leads to phonetic convergence, but alveolar sounds are sufficiently distinct to prevent transfer. Together, findings attest to the relevance of minority language contexts to theories of bilingual phonology.