Suprasegmentals: An Exercise in Cognitive Phonology

Abstract

Abstract This study provides an analysis of suprasegmental units in English within the framework of Cognitive Phonology, including stress, intonation and juncture. In this regard, two aspects are explained. The first is integration: the way the subparts are combined to form a composite structure. This is done by means of pivotal mechanisms, where the integration of segmentals and suprasegmentals are subject to correspondence, determinacy, elaboration and constituency. The second is interpretation: the way the meaning of the resulting composite structure is explained. This is done by means of construal, where the use of a suprasegmental unit is the outcome of the specific construal the speaker chooses to describe a situation. The aim is to show, through examples, that the use of a suprasegmental unit is a manifestation of a communicative intention. The implication is that suprasegmental units are essential; they are cognitive operations carried out on the baseline, and so conveyors of meaning. As an aspect of language, suprasegmental units can be described as an instance of B/E organization, where a word, phrase or sentence represents the baseline, while the suprasegmenal unit represents the elaboration.