Integrating phonetics and phonology in the description of the intrusive stop formation process in Zulu

Abstract

The history of linguistics is characterized by competing frameworks and a generally dichotomous relationship between phonetics and phonology. While the study of phonetics was scientifically informed, phonology tended to be based on impressionistic observations. This dichotomous relationship has often hindered the formalization of phonological processes. This article reports on an investigation of the intrusive stop formation process in Zulu. It demonstrates how the integration of phonetics and phonology facilitates a formalization of the process. Feature geometry theory, laboratory phonology and the theory of constraint and repair strategies (TCRS) are frameworks utilized in the formalization of the process for Zulu.