The Feature [Voice] and Voicing Assimilation

The feature [voice] is usually assumed to be binary, because there are many cases where both values of [voice] appear to assimilate. This chapter argues that assimilation of [voice] is a two part process consisting of neutralization of [voice] and spreading of [voice], and that the 'assimilation' of voicelessness is simply a result of the first part of the process, neutralization. Assimilation is quite common, however, and a successful analysis of it is crucial to the privative voicing theory. Mester and Ito suggest that apparent assimilation of [-voice] can be handled by assuming "the classic Praguean conception of the relation between neutralization and assimilation" that "conceives of all unmarked assimilation process as contingent on prior neutralization." The chapter presents a brief analysis of Dutch, with some reference to other languages, as a simple exemplification of the way these mechanisms work. It analyzes a number of languages in detail, including language-specific laryngeal phonology where necessary.