SC-clusters in Brazilian Portuguese

Abstract

This paper discusses word-initial (sibilant + consonant) sequences that may or may not be preceded by a vowel in Brazilian Portuguese, as, for example, in escola [isˈkɔlə] ~ [ˈskɔlə] ‘school’ or Skype [isˈkajpi] ~ [ˈskajpi]. They will be referred to as sC-clusters. The vowel-zero alternation in word-initial sC-clusters is an optional phenomenon in BP, which affects native and loan words at different rates. This study tested the hypothesis that the segmental string in word-initial sC-clusters differs for native and loan words, and that such a difference could be captured by the experimental analysis. Results showed that the vowel is shorter in loan words than in native words. Results also showed that when the vowel is not manifested, the sibilant is longer than when a vowel occurs. It is suggested that the durational properties of high vowels and sibilants characterize phonetic detail, which plays a role in the implementation of the vowel-zero alternation in sC-clusters in BP. Results were examined in light of Kaye’s (1992) representational model and Exemplar Models. The paper also indicates the relevance of experimental investigation in phonology, as suggested by Laboratory Phonology approaches.