Understanding dissimilation is crucial for mastering the nuances of English pronunciation and phonology. While assimilation involves sounds becoming more alike, dissimilation is the opposite – sounds become less alike.
This phonological process plays a significant role in how words are pronounced and how language evolves over time. For English language learners, recognizing dissimilation helps in improving pronunciation accuracy and comprehension.
This article will explore the definition, types, examples, and rules of dissimilation, providing a comprehensive guide for learners of all levels.
This article is structured to guide you through the intricacies of dissimilation, offering clear explanations and practical examples to enhance your understanding. Whether you are a student, teacher, or simply a language enthusiast, this guide will provide valuable insights into this fascinating aspect of phonology.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Dissimilation
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Dissimilation
- Examples of Dissimilation
- Usage Rules of Dissimilation
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Dissimilation
Dissimilation is a phonological process where similar sounds within a word become less alike. This occurs to make the word easier to pronounce or to distinguish it from other words. It’s essentially the opposite of assimilation, where sounds become more similar.
Dissimilation can be classified based on various criteria, including the features of the sounds that change (e.g., place of articulation, manner of articulation, voicing) and the distance between the sounds within the word. The primary function of dissimilation is to simplify pronunciation, often leading to changes in the phonetic form of words over time.
It is a natural process that occurs across many languages, including English.
The contexts in which dissimilation occurs vary, but it is often found in words with repeated or similar sounds. The change can be subtle or dramatic, and it may or may not be reflected in the spelling of the word.
Understanding dissimilation is crucial for accurately interpreting pronunciation variations and historical sound changes in language.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of dissimilation involves identifying the sounds that are becoming less alike and understanding the features that are changing. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
- Identifying the Sounds: First, determine the sounds within the word that are similar and potentially subject to dissimilation.
- Determining the Features: Identify the phonetic features that are changing. This could include the place of articulation (e.g., bilabial, alveolar), the manner of articulation (e.g., stop, fricative), or voicing (voiced or voiceless).
- Understanding the Direction of Change: Determine which sound is influencing the other and how the sound is changing to become less similar.
- Analyzing the Context: Consider the surrounding sounds and the position of the sounds within the word. Dissimilation often occurs in specific phonetic environments.
The basic pattern of dissimilation can be represented as: Sound A → Sound B / _ Sound C, where Sound A changes to Sound B due to the presence of Sound C. This pattern indicates that Sound A is dissimilating because of the influence of Sound C.
For example, if a /p/ sound changes to a /b/ sound when followed by another /p/ sound, it would be represented as /p/ → /b/ / _ /p/.
Dissimilation often leads to the deletion or alteration of a sound to reduce articulatory difficulty. This can involve changes in voicing, place, or manner of articulation.
The process is driven by the speaker’s tendency to simplify the pronunciation of complex sound sequences.
Types of Dissimilation
Dissimilation can be categorized based on the phonetic features that change or the distance between the sounds. Here are some common types:
Place Dissimilation
Place dissimilation occurs when sounds change their place of articulation to become less similar. For example, a sound might shift from being produced at the front of the mouth (e.g., bilabial) to the back (e.g., velar).
Manner Dissimilation
Manner dissimilation involves changes in the manner of articulation. For instance, a stop consonant might become a fricative or vice versa.
Voicing Dissimilation
Voicing dissimilation happens when a sound changes its voicing feature. A voiced sound (e.g., /b/, /d/, /g/) might become voiceless (e.g., /p/, /t/, /k/), or vice versa.
Distance Dissimilation
Distance dissimilation refers to cases where the sounds influencing each other are separated by one or more other sounds. This can be contrasted with contact dissimilation, where the sounds are adjacent.
Examples of Dissimilation
Below are several examples of dissimilation, categorized by type. These examples illustrate how dissimilation affects the pronunciation of words in English and other languages.
Place Dissimilation Examples
Place dissimilation involves changes in the place of articulation to make sounds less similar. This often occurs when two sounds articulated in the same area of the mouth are difficult to pronounce in quick succession.
The table below provides examples of place dissimilation, showing the original sound, the dissimilated sound, and the context in which the change occurs.
| Original Word | Original Sound | Dissimilated Sound | Context | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilgrim | /l/ | /r/ | /l/ … /ɡ/ | The /l/ sound changes to /r/ to become less similar to the following /l/ sound. |
| Colonel | /l/ | /r/ | /l/ … /n/ | The /l/ sound changes to /r/ to differentiate it from the surrounding /l/ and /n/ sounds. |
| Marble | /l/ | /r/ | /l/ … /b/ | Similar to ‘pilgrim’, the /l/ becomes /r/ to ease pronunciation. |
| Purple | /l/ | /r/ | /l/ … /p/ | The /l/ sound changes to /r/ to become less similar to the preceding /p/ sound. |
| Chimney | /m/ | /n/ | /m/ … /n/ | The /m/ sound changes to /n/ to ease pronunciation before the /n/ sound. |
| Amble | /m/ | /n/ | /m/ … /b/ | The /m/ sound changes to /n/ to become less similar to the following /b/ sound. |
| Film | /m/ | /n/ | /m/ … /l/ | The /m/ sound changes to /n/ to differentiate it from the /l/ sound. |
| Remember | /m/ | /n/ | /m/ … /b/ | The /m/ sound changes to /n/ to simplify pronunciation before the /b/ sound. |
| Comfort | /m/ | /n/ | /m/ … /f/ | The /m/ sound changes to /n/ to avoid the proximity of the /m/ and /f/ sounds. |
| Tremble | /m/ | /n/ | /m/ … /b/ | The /m/ sound changes to /n/ to ease pronunciation next to the /b/ sound. |
| Example | /m/ | /n/ | /m/ … /p/ | The /m/ sound changes to /n/ to become less similar to the following /p/ sound. |
| Almond | /l/ | [omitted] | /l/ … /m/ | The /l/ sound is often omitted in pronunciation to avoid the proximity of /l/ and /m/ sounds. |
| Specifically | /p/ | /f/ | /p/…/f/ | To make it easier to pronounce, the /p/ changes to /f/. |
| February | /r/ | /j/ or omitted | /r/…/u/ | Simplified pronunciation often omits or alters the /r/. |
| Library | /r/ | /b/ | /r/…/r/ | In some dialects, the first /r/ can be altered. |
| Governor | /n/ | /m/ | /n/…/v/ | The /n/ sound is changed due to the following /v/. |
| Animal | /m/ | /n/ | /m/…/l/ | Easier to pronounce with the /n/ sound. |
| Comfortable | /m/ | [omitted] | /m/…/t/ | The /m/ is often omitted for easier pronunciation. |
| Platinum | /t/ | /ʃ/ | /t/…/i/ | The /t/ sound changes to /ʃ/ due to the following /i/ sound. |
| Measure | /ʒ/ | /ʃ/ | /ʒ/…/ə/ | The /ʒ/ sound changes to /ʃ/ as an example of dissimilation. |
Manner Dissimilation Examples
Manner dissimilation involves changes in the manner of articulation, such as a stop becoming a fricative or vice versa. These changes often aim to simplify the articulatory process.
The table below presents examples of manner dissimilation, illustrating the shift in the manner of articulation to ease pronunciation.
| Original Word | Original Sound | Dissimilated Sound | Context | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fifth | /f/ | /t/ | /f/ … /θ/ | The /f/ sound, a fricative, may change to /t/, a stop, in some pronunciations to ease transition to the /θ/ sound. |
| Something | /θ/ | /f/ or /p/ | /θ/ … /m/ | The /θ/ sound can sometimes be pronounced as /f/ or /p/ to simplify the articulation before /m/. |
| Width | /θ/ | /t/ | /θ/ … /d/ | The /θ/ sound, a fricative, is sometimes simplified to /t/, a stop, especially in casual speech. |
| Eighth | /θ/ | /f/ or /t/ | /θ/ … /t/ | The /θ/ sound is simplified, sometimes to /f/ or /t/, to ease pronunciation. |
| Clothes | /ð/ | /z/ | /ð/ … /z/ | The /ð/ sound, a fricative, is simplified to /z/, another fricative, but easier to pronounce in the context. |
| Often | /t/ | [omitted] | /t/ … /ən/ | The /t/ sound is often omitted in pronunciation to simplify the word. |
| Honestly | /t/ | [omitted] | /t/ … /li/ | The /t/ sound is often omitted in pronunciation to simplify the word. |
| Castle | /t/ | [omitted] | /t/ … /əl/ | The /t/ sound is often omitted in pronunciation to simplify the word. |
| Listen | /t/ | [omitted] | /t/ … /ən/ | The /t/ sound is often omitted in pronunciation to simplify the word. |
| Fasten | /t/ | [omitted] | /t/ … /ən/ | The /t/ sound is often omitted in pronunciation to simplify the word. |
| Christmas | /t/ | [omitted] | /t/ … /məs/ | The /t/ sound is often omitted in pronunciation to simplify the word. |
| Softly | /t/ | [omitted] | /t/ … /li/ | The /t/ sound is often omitted in pronunciation to simplify the word. |
| Exactly | /t/ | /k/ | /t/…/ly/ | The /t/ changes to /k/ in some dialects for easier flow. |
| Athlete | /θ/ | /t/ | /θ/…/li/ | Simplified to /t/ in casual speech. |
| Month | /θ/ | /f/ | /θ/…/s/ | Sometimes altered when followed by an ‘s’. |
| Strength | /θ/ | /t/ | /θ/…/ŋ/ | Simplified to /t/ in some pronunciations. |
| Length | /ŋθ/ | /ŋk/ | /ŋ/…/θ/ | The /θ/ can become /k/ in certain dialects. |
| Warmth | /θ/ | /t/ | /θ/…/t/ | Simplified to /t/ for pronunciation. |
| Health | /θ/ | /t/ | /θ/…/i/ | Simplified to /t/ for ease. |
| Wealth | /θ/ | /t/ | /θ/…/i/ | Simplified to /t/ for ease. |
Voicing Dissimilation Examples
Voicing dissimilation occurs when a sound changes its voicing feature, either becoming voiced from voiceless or vice versa. This typically happens to simplify the coordination of vocal fold vibration during speech.
The following table illustrates instances of voicing dissimilation, showing the change in voicing to facilitate pronunciation.
| Original Word | Original Sound | Dissimilated Sound | Context | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seven | /v/ | /f/ | /s/…/ən/ | In some dialects, the /v/ sound might be devoiced to /f/ to become less similar to the preceding /s/ sound. |
| Of | /v/ | /f/ | /…/ | When unstressed, the /v/ sometimes becomes /f/. |
| Have | /v/ | /f/ | /…/ | When unstressed, the /v/ sometimes becomes /f/. |
| Leaves | /vz/ | /fs/ | /…/ | The /v/ sound is devoiced to /f/ before the /s/ sound. |
| Knives | /vz/ | /fs/ | /…/ | The /v/ sound is devoiced to /f/ before the /s/ sound. |
| Lives | /vz/ | /fs/ | /…/ | The /v/ sound is devoiced to /f/ before the /s/ sound. |
| Wolves | /vz/ | /fs/ | /…/ | The /v/ sound is devoiced to /f/ before the /s/ sound. |
| Shelves | /vz/ | /fs/ | /…/ | The /v/ sound is devoiced to /f/ before the /s/ sound. |
| Wives | /vz/ | /fs/ | /…/ | The /v/ sound is devoiced to /f/ before the /s/ sound. |
| Hooves | /vz/ | /fs/ | /…/ | The /v/ sound is devoiced to /f/ before the /s/ sound. |
| Believes | /vz/ | /fs/ | /…/ | The /v/ sound is devoiced to /f/ before the /s/ sound. |
| Achieves | /vz/ | /fs/ | /…/ | The /v/ sound is devoiced to /f/ before the /s/ sound. |
| Deceives | /vz/ | /fs/ | /…/ | The /v/ sound is devoiced to /f/ before the /s/ sound. |
| Receives | /vz/ | /fs/ | /…/ | The /v/ sound is devoiced to /f/ before the /s/ sound. |
| Perceives | /vz/ | /fs/ | /…/ | The /v/ sound is devoiced to /f/ before the /s/ sound. |
| Grieves | /vz/ | /fs/ | /…/ | The /v/ sound is devoiced to /f/ before the /s/ sound. |
| Sleeves | /vz/ | /fs/ | /…/ | The /v/ sound is devoiced to /f/ before the /s/ sound. |
| Hives | /vz/ | /fs/ | /…/ | The /v/ sound is devoiced to /f/ before the /s/ sound. |
| Drives | /vz/ | /fs/ | /…/ | The /v/ sound is devoiced to /f/ before the /s/ sound. |
| Strives | /vz/ | /fs/ | /…/ | The /v/ sound is devoiced to /f/ before the /s/ sound. |
Distance Dissimilation Examples
Distance dissimilation involves sounds influencing each other across intervening sounds. This type of dissimilation is less common but still present in various languages.
The table below provides examples of distance dissimilation, where sounds separated by other sounds influence each other.
| Original Word | Original Sound | Dissimilated Sound | Context | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animate | /m/ | /n/ | /æ/…/eɪ/ | The /m/ sound changes to /n/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
| Granary | /n/ | /m/ | /ɡ/…/r/ | The /n/ sound changes to /m/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
| Library | /r/ | /b/ | /l/…/r/ | The /r/ sound changes to /b/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
| February | /r/ | /j/ | /f/…/u/ | The /r/ sound changes to /j/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
| Particular | /r/ | /l/ | /p/…/t/ | The /r/ sound changes to /l/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
| Regular | /r/ | /l/ | /r/…/r/ | The /r/ sound changes to /l/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
| Popular | /r/ | /l/ | /p/…/l/ | The /r/ sound changes to /l/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
| Similar | /r/ | /l/ | /s/…/r/ | The /r/ sound changes to /l/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
| Familiar | /r/ | /l/ | /f/…/r/ | The /r/ sound changes to /l/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
| Calendar | /r/ | /l/ | /k/…/l/ | The /r/ sound changes to /l/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
| Angular | /r/ | /l/ | /æ/…/l/ | The /r/ sound changes to /l/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
| Singular | /r/ | /l/ | /s/…/l/ | The /r/ sound changes to /l/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
| Vulnerable | /r/ | /l/ | /v/…/l/ | The /r/ sound changes to /l/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
| Emulate | /m/ | /n/ | /e/…/eɪ/ | The /m/ sound changes to /n/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
| Stimulate | /m/ | /n/ | /s/…/eɪ/ | The /m/ sound changes to /n/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
| Estimate | /m/ | /n/ | /e/…/eɪ/ | The /m/ sound changes to /n/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
| Laminate | /m/ | /n/ | /l/…/eɪ/ | The /m/ sound changes to /n/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
| Ultimate | /m/ | /n/ | /ʌ/…/eɪ/ | The /m/ sound changes to /n/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
| Intimate | /m/ | /n/ | /ɪ/…/eɪ/ | The /m/ sound changes to /n/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
| Approximate | /m/ | /n/ | /ə/…/eɪ/ | The /m/ sound changes to /n/ to provide the word with a better flow. |
Other Dissimilation Examples
Here are a few additional examples of dissimilation that don’t fit neatly into the categories above but are still relevant.
The table below lists additional examples of dissimilation, showcasing various types of changes that occur in different contexts.
| Original Word | Original Sound | Dissimilated Sound | Context | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governor | /n/ | /m/ | /n/…/v/ | The /n/ sound changes to /m/ to ease pronunciation. |
| Surprise | /r/ | [omitted] | /s/…/p/ | The /r/ sound changes is often omitted in common speech. |
| Interesting | /t/ | [omitted] | /n/…/ɪŋ/ | The /t/ sound is often omitted in common speech. |
| Probably | /b/ | [omitted] | /b/…/ə/ | The /b/ sound changes is often omitted in common speech. |
| Chocolate | /l/ | [omitted] | /k/…/ət/ | The /l/ sound is often omitted in common speech. |
| Favorite | /r/ | [omitted] | /v/…/ɪt/ | The /r/ sound changes is often omitted in common speech. |
| Camera | /r/ | [omitted] | /m/…/ə/ | The /r/ sound changes is often omitted in common speech. |
| Generally | /r/ | [omitted] | /n/…/ə/ | The /r/ sound changes is often omitted in common speech. |
| Recognize | /ɡ/ | [omitted] | /r/…/ɪ/ | The /ɡ/ sound changes is often omitted in common speech. |
| Definitely | /t/ | [omitted] | /n/…/li/ | The /t/ sound changes is often omitted in common speech. |
| Temperature | /p/ | [omitted] | /m/…/ər/ | The /p/ sound changes is often omitted in common speech. |
| Vegetable | /dʒ/ | [omitted] | /v/…/ə/ | The /dʒ/ sound changes is often omitted in common speech. |
| Business | /ɪ/ | [omitted] | /b/…/z/ | The /ɪ/ sound changes is often omitted in common speech. |
| Island | /s/ | [omitted] | /…/l/ | The /s/ sound changes is often omitted in common speech. |
| Debt | /b/ | [omitted] | /…/t/ | The /b/ sound changes is often omitted in common speech. |
| Doubt | /b/ | [omitted] | /…/t/ | The /b/ sound changes is often omitted in common speech. |
| Comb | /b/ | [omitted] | /…/m/ | The /b/ sound changes is often omitted in common speech. |
| Bomb | /b/ | [omitted] | /…/m/ | The /b/ sound changes is often omitted in common speech. |
| Subtle | /b/ | [omitted] | /…/t/ | The /b/ sound changes is often omitted in common speech. |
| Autumn | /n/ | [omitted] | /m/…/n/ | The /n/ sound changes is often omitted in common speech. |
Usage Rules of Dissimilation
Dissimilation doesn’t follow strict rules like grammatical structures, but there are general tendencies and patterns. Here are some key considerations:
- Ease of Pronunciation: Dissimilation primarily occurs to make words easier to pronounce. The changes reduce articulatory effort.
- Context-Dependent: The specific changes depend on the phonetic environment. Surrounding sounds influence the likelihood and type of dissimilation.
- Dialectal Variation: Dissimilation patterns can vary across dialects. Some pronunciations are common in certain regions but not others.
- Historical Change: Many instances of dissimilation have become standardized over time, leading to permanent changes in the pronunciation of words.
- Not Always Reflected in Spelling: The spelling of a word may not always reflect dissimilation. This can make it difficult to identify without phonetic knowledge.
There are no hard and fast rules that dictate when dissimilation *must* occur. Rather, it is a tendency that speakers exhibit to simplify pronunciation.
This tendency is influenced by factors such as speech rate, level of formality, and regional dialect.
Exceptions and Special Cases: Some words resist dissimilation due to various factors, including analogy with other words or prescriptive pronunciation norms. These exceptions highlight the complex interplay of factors that influence pronunciation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often make mistakes related to dissimilation because they may not be aware of the subtle pronunciation changes that occur. Here are some common errors and how to correct them:
- Ignoring Dissimilation: Failing to recognize that a sound has changed due to dissimilation can lead to mispronunciation.