ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

Contextual explanation · NAV-G04-023

Linguistic opposition

This explanation addresses the term in its originating context. It is not an additional canonical Atlas profile.

Explanation

Opposition in the sound-related originating contexts is a systematic distinction between units. A minimal pair may show that a sound difference distinguishes meanings in a language. Relevant features are not determined simply by the size of an acoustic difference. In markedness, an additional question is whether the members have symmetrical distributions or whether one faces special restrictions. An opposition is therefore not automatically an evenly balanced pair. Since markedness also applies outside phonology, that connection requires an explicit statement of the linguistic level being investigated.

Movement of thought

1. Identify the compared units. 2. Test their distinctive function. 3. Specify the linguistic level. 4. Examine distribution and possible asymmetries. 5. Use non-contrasting environments as countertests.

Example

A difference between two sounds may distinguish words in one language but concern variants of one unit in another.

Counter-test

Audibility alone does not make a difference phonologically contrastive; members of an opposition need not be equally frequent either.

Scientific use case

Analysis can use separate criteria for contrastive function, distribution and markedness.

Effect

The concept explains a unit's value through its relations within a system.

Resonance

A form gains its outline through the distinctions it can carry.

Distinction

Distinguish systematic opposition from difference alone, semantic antonymy and necessarily symmetrical distribution.

Sources