Neutralization in English phonology

Abstract EN

In English phonology, neutralization can be considered a process which incorporates a phonemic distinction's elimination in a complete context of phonology.

The classic example of neutralization is the neutralization of a word-final voicing contrast.

If there is phonetically complete neutralization occurs, then there should be phonetically identical two surface forms.

In the present study, the main aim is focusing on phonological neutralization while considering the role of phonetic and phonological representations in the perception and production of human speech.

The study finds out that there is neutralization, but not always all word-final voice contrast can be neutralized (despite the devoicing rule's operation).

Moreover, the study finds out that all the rules of phonology can be applied in such a way that where neutralization can be seen and allowing underlying distinctions since, neutralized word can to be preserved or recovered.