Part 5

Overlapping Distribution

Earlier, we discussed the term complementary distribution. Again, sounds are in complementary distribution if they never appear in the same contexts.

Sometimes, sounds do appear in at least some of the same contexts. When this happens, the sounds are in overlapping distribution.

For example, observe the following data:

Note in particular the sounds , , and . In each form, one of those sounds appears at the beginning of the word. Therefore, each one of the sounds can appear in the context of the beginning of the word.

Based on that fact, the sounds , , and cannot be in complementary distribution, because they can appear in the same context.

This leads to the conclusion that , , and are in overlapping distribution, since in the context of the beginning of the word, each of those sounds can appear.

Furthermore, if these sounds are in overlapping distribution, they must be variants of separate phonemes. That's an important relationship. Say the following to yourself as a mantra:

Repeat this to yourself as needed.

Holy Aspiration, Batman!

Let's go back to the superhero analogy for a moment. We'll now add Bruce Wayne and Batman into our data set. As with Superman, Batman appears in the context of being a hero, while Bruce Wayne appears everywhere else (i. e. they are in complementary distribution).

Hence [Bruce Wayne] and [Batman] are allophones.

Now, consider just Superman and Batman. Are they allophones of a single phoneme?

Go on to Part 6

Phonology

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