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12
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12
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The following is a list of proposed distinctive features, compiled in Gussenhoven and Jacobs (1998):
[± consonantal]
Sounds which are [+ consonantal] are those which have some kind of constriction along the center of the vocal tract. This constriction must be at least as narrow as that required for a fricative.
[± sonorant]
Sounds which are [+sonorant] are those which are produced with a constriction in the vocal tract that allows the air pressure both behind and in front of the constriction to be relatively equal. This feature generally divides the sound system into sonorants ([+sonorant] sounds), which are nasals, approximants, glides, and vowels, and obstruents ([-sonorant] sounds), which are oral stops, fricatives, and affricates.
[± approximant]
Sounds which are [+approximant] are those sounds whose constriction allows for a frictionless escape of air.
[± voice]
Sounds which are [+voice] are those which are produced with vibration of the vocal folds.
[± spread glottis]
Sounds which are [+spread glottis] are those produced with a glottal configuration that produces audible glottal friction. For example, the aspirated stops in English are [+spread glottis]
[± constricted glottis]
Sounds which are [+constricted glottis] are those which are produced with the vocal folds drawn together and tense.
[±continuant]
Sounds which are [+continuant] are those which are produced without a central blockage in the vocal tract. For example, fricatives have a central constriction, but there is no complete blockage of the air, and they are therefore, [+continuant].
[±nasal]
Sounds which are [+nasal] are produced with nasal airflow.
[±lateral]
Sounds which are [+lateral] are produced with airflow passing through one or both sides of the tongue, which is in contact with the central part of the oral cavity.
Place Features
These features, [LABIAL], [CORONAL], [DORSAL], and [RADICAL] are features that are often characterized as not being + or -, but rather, either a consonant has the feature or not.