Phonology of Arabic Language: Inventory, Processes and Theories

This research paper provides an in-depth analysis of the phonology of Arabic language, covering its inventory, processes and theories. It includes a background on the language, consonant and vowel charts, syllable shapes, and phonological processes like assimilation, substitution and syllable structure. The paper also discusses two classical theories of phonology - natural and generative phonology.

LG404 PHONOLOGY

TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
SECTION 1.....................................................................................................................................4
Background information..............................................................................................................4
SECTION 2.....................................................................................................................................5
Consonant chart...........................................................................................................................5
SECTION 3.....................................................................................................................................5
Vowel chart..................................................................................................................................5
SECTION 4.....................................................................................................................................5
Language contrastive length on Vowel and consonants..............................................................5
Syllable shapes, onset obligatory, combinatorial restrictions......................................................6
Arabic language allows................................................................................................................6
Diphthongs does the language have............................................................................................7
Are there any restrictions on CV or VC sequences and vowels occur freely with all consonant7
SECTION 5.....................................................................................................................................7
Phonological processes and analysis based on phonological theories........................................7
Critical understanding of language's phonology, classifying processes into groups and
organizing in presentation............................................................................................................9
"Positional neutralisations", "Consonant-vowel interaction ,"Syllable-conditioned
alternations", and "Morphologically conditioned phonology",................................................10
Discussion of phonological processes.......................................................................................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
RFERENCES.................................................................................................................................13
INTRODUCTION
Phonology can be analysed as study of speech sounds within language, governing aspects
related with composition and combination of speech sounds in language. The recent research will
develop in depth analysis of phonology, where description of phonemes in IPA form with
description related to Arabic language will be used on. Research will present insightful,
comprehensive overview of inventory in sounds, word prosody and analysis of phonological

procedures diversely. It will also analyse issues of language, patterns which are interesting
complex and stringently crucial. Recent findings on phonology, will specifically shed light on
phonology in Arabic language where analysis will be also done in depth about phonological
aspects.
SECTION 1
Background information
Arabic language has background of aroun 1000 years which has been found to be
originated from Arabian Peninsula and was first spoken by nomadic tribes within place. It is
member of family in Semitic language, where it holds huge significant crucial history which rose
from inter- marriage between Arabs and native people group. Literature as Proto Semitic can be
known as language that has been descended in Arabic, such that Afro-Asiatic group of world
languages place relationship in Arabic firmly (Vogel, 2021).
After rise of Islam In Hejaz, language and Arab culture has been spread outside Arabian
Peninsular through intermarriage, conquest and trade between the members of the non-Arab
local population that are living in the peninsular Arabs. Phonetics is branch of linguistics where
human produce and perceiving impact of sounds is done, based on significant sign languages,
equivalent aspects in sign forms. Modern and standard Arabic language consists of 6 vowel
phonemes, 8, 10 vowels within modern dialects or 28 consonant phonemes. The phonemes
contrast between emphatic consonants are significant to critically analyse in depth meaning
within language. Language has specific historical influence, where cultural significant
parameters are involved based on photonics. It has in depth historical influence, where cultural
pace and informative language used among people has found to have authentic meaning
competently (Šaumjan, 2021).
SECTION 2
Consonant chart
The Arabic language constants have 18 consonants between Arabic and English such as
d, b, t, j, f, z, ʃ, h, l, m, n, w, r and y. Allophones are kind of phoneme, where changes sounds
are based on words which are spelled. Observations on phonetic realizations of consonants,
where specific changes further plays keen role for determining new changes within literature. It
is context specific observations based on phonetic realizations within consonants, which
specifies based on significant aspects connected to determined paradigms. There are

asymmetries which are explained, where sounds are usual based on consonant inventories within
historical language. While analysing language specifically, it can be also analysed that literature
further enhances specific efficiency standards set within literature potential frameworks
(Anderson, 2021). It specifies extensive focus on fact that there will be specific aspect worked
on, for extensive scale rise based on connected cultural language ethnicity.
SECTION 3
Vowel chart
Allophones are kind of phoneme that changes sound based on words which are spelled,
where it is allophone for another same phoneme which leads to different words. It has significant
aspects concerned, based on allophones where vowels are reduced in stressed syllables, based on
individual words. Arabic language ha cross- linguistic context where some sounds are unusual
and there are gaps in asymmetries where this specifies specific efficacy connected to develop
optimum rise. Also language effective utilisation, on further extended technical goals are
correlated to develop potential usage for extended determined specifics based on leveraged
parameters within longer time frame.
SECTION 4
Language contrastive length on Vowel and consonants
Arabic is considered as worldwide language with around 27 sub language and varieties of
these language are being spoken across the Arabic. Consonant can be classified into two voice
and voiceless as Arabic have around twenty eight consonants such as two semi- vowels, 6
vowels that is 3 long vowels and 3 short vowels. Likewise, the standard Arabic language have
around 36 phonemes, out of which six are vowels such as ɪ i ә a ʊ u, 28 are consonants such as b
t d k ʒ q l m n f θ ð s Ṣ z ʃ x ɣ ḥ h r ς ŧ đ ∂ ʡ. Moreover, it can be stated that Aa, ii and uu are
long vowels in Arabic language that are being written through making use of three letter in
Arabic alphabet. Hence, the language has contrastive length on vowels and consonants
(Bermúdez-Otero, 2017).
Syllable shapes, onset obligatory, combinatorial restrictions
In the modern standard Arabic, the consonant clusters are not permitted in the syllable initial
position likewise a word [Xalfa] behind" the intervocalic consonants have two different syllables
such as CVC$CV. CV, CVC and CVV are three underlying syllables in MSA and two CVVC

and CVCC only appear in surface phonetic forms. At the same time, frequency of occurrence of
CV, CVV and CVC are 49.7%, 17% and 23.9% respectively. Therefore, CVVC and CVCC
syllables only account 1% in the occurrence of the syllables. Onset obligatory helps in
distinguished most preferred onset cluster as compared to the least preferred ones. Likewise, on
the two poles of continuum, the preferred onset cluster is obstruent (stop or fricative) followed
by an approximant (Höhle, 2018). While the least preferred onset cluster is one approximant
followed by an obstruent. There are combinatorial restriction on Nuclie +coda shape because
every language, CV syllables are found. But there are some of the languages for example: the
Hua of Papua New Guinea have only CV syllables. At last, among different type of segments the
divergence among Arabic varieties is found that serve as syllable nuclei and in possibility of
complex onset or codas.
Arabic language allows
The syllables structure of Arabic does’nt allow syllables to either start with a consonant
cluster nor with the vowel and in case any of the consonant cluster start then it must preceded
with epenthetic [ʔi] and utterance initially or [[i]. Such as, the Super-heavy syllables are usually
not being allow and excepted word finally.
Arabic has syllable-timed rhyme and in case the language is stress then there is difference in
attested syllable shape for stressed and unstressed syllables. Such as stressed syllable is part of
word that majorly emphasizes on other syllables (Eckert and Labov, 2017). On the other hand,
unstressed syllable is part of word that does lay less emphasis than the stressed syllables so not
focus on using volume instead emphasis on pitch.
Arabic is more general and Ammani Arabic language that does not allow syllables without
onsets so, basically onset are obligatory element in the syllable structure of Ammani Arabic.
Onset is the obligatory element in the syllable structure of Ammani Arabic, that means the one of
syllable structure constraints in Arabic is each syllable should start with one consonant. Coda
Clusters are found in Moroccan Arabic. Complex onset and codas are used to governed by the
Sonority Sequencing principle that suggest sonority increase the monotonically closer one get to
sonority peak (Kawahara, 2020). Syllable structure have onset, nucleus and code that are made
up with three consonants in onset position, a vowel, as nucleus and up to four consonants are
acting as coda.

Diphthongs does the language have
Diphthongs in Arabic are vwel sound that consist of two parts such as a consonant and
short vowel. The ي َـ as in “بيت” [baitun] are diphthongs “ ay” and “ aw” and and و َـ as in “خوف”
[khaufun] for Arabic name of fear.
Long vowel
and
Diphthongs
َـا ُـو ِـي َـو َـي
Transliteratio
n
aA uw iy Aw ay
Transcription /ā/ (long a) /ū/ (long u)
/ī/ (long i)
/aw/ /ay/
Are there any restrictions on CV or VC sequences and vowels occur freely with all consonant
Phonotactics restrict the possible sound sequence to refer any specific restriction such as
CV. CCV. CCCV. VC. In Arabic no word can be start with a vowel less consonant likewise it
has twenty-eight consonant phonemes and six vowel phonemes. Such as in Arabic language ā
= ا, ū = و, ī = ي are three vowels that occur freely with all the consonants (Neijt, 2019).
SECTION 5
Phonological processes and analysis based on phonological theories
Phonological processes are patterns of sound errors that are analysed to develop children
accurate understanding for simplifying speech power and efficacy to talk effectively. The
phonological procedures hold specific role for developing abilities to coordinate senses effective
response and also enhancing new productive learnings. The processes specifically correlated into
phonological processes, based on optimum working vision within Arabic language. It can be also
analysed that phonological theory concepts are widely crucial, for more in depth learning
procedure. Assimilation: The assimilation is most common phonological process, used in several
languages based on absorbing informational aspects and integral reading within Arabic
language. It is state or condition of being assimilated, where absorption into something is
done informatively based on significant working goals integrated into culture. The

process is sound change in which some phonemes change, for analysing similar sounds
specifically based on similarity within words. It is general term within phonetics for
procedures, where speech sound becomes similar or identical to neighbouring sound
based on developed aspects based on optimum goals. Example – نَزْزَل has been
assimilated into move down (Alrumhi, 2021).
 Substitution: Another phonology process is substitution, where sound changes in that
another sound class is being used to replace with the one sound class. It is based on sound
produce within front of mouth through making use of sound produced in back of mouth
while speaking. This is another specific integral aspect in phonological procedure, based
on which Arabic language is more diversified. An example of a speech substitution is use
of “w”- “wabbit” and “r” saying for “rabbit.
 Syllable structure: It is sound changes that causes sounds or syllables in language that
can be reduced, omitted within speaking. The cluster reduction is deletion that is related
to two or three cluster , based on significant aspects in phonological process.
Phonological processing is the broad category that include working memory,
phonological awareness, and retrieval aspects based on significant goals. Syllable
structure has been found to be also significant as the phonological process based on
developed parameters within phonology (TAl-Basri, 2021).
There are some specific phonological theories, but two classical theories which are
generative phonology and natural phonology based on specific speech aspects for enduring
enhancement in speech. Major theories are generative phonology and natural phonology where it
includes contemporary theories specifically based on significant factors connected to optimality.
 Natural phonology is theory based on set of universal phonological procedures that are
set on goals which can be interacted with one another, which ones are active. The
hypothesis that language analysed is autonomous cognitive faculty, where implications
for representation of linguistic knowledge and procedures are there. Theory holds huge
creative space for reading in Arabic language phonological format for extended effective
usage within literature (Mohame & et.al, 2021)

 Generative phonology is another theory, in which component of procreative grammar
helps in assigning the correct phonetic representation within sentences in particular
manner. The phonological rule are used in generative phonology as notion to capture
sound related computations and operations within performance. It enables to produce and
comprehend spoken language, which are used in phonetic notations where features for
phonology are further used.
The above specific phonological theories in phonetics within phonological language,
where natural and generative conchology signifies crucial aspects related with words in speech
for accurate. It develops further extended developed usage on significant Arabic language
literature, where this enables to personify specific aspects connected to optimum usage within
effective understanding (Mohamed & et.al 2021).
Critical understanding of language's phonology, classifying processes into groups and organizing
in presentation
Arabic language phonology, classifies procedures into groups and organizes presentation
Independent critical understanding of language phonology holds huge significance. The groups
in language are organized in effective presentation format, which are further based on optimum
specific format (Badi, 2021).. This holds high importance, for setting language phonology
procedures within Arabic language. By demonstrating independent critical understanding within
language phonology, procedures are set into groups among language which are further set into
presentation aspects. Arabic language phonology stresses focus on facts where procedures are set
into groups, where organising into working presentation further enable language phonological
parameters to be enhanced. The phonological process is also related to setting understanding on
language phonology setting of processes specifically set into groups. Independent language
phonology stresses focus on groups, where organizing presentation into specific aspects
correlated to language phonology (.Badi, 2021). Arabic language specifies extensive usage of
procedures and theories practical usage, for extended technical usage based on extensive
productive factors for keen vision oriented goals.
Also specific phonology aspects stresses focus on working parameters based on
classifying processes into groups, and organize words in uniform manner within literature. There

is further profound focus evolved on critical understanding within language phonological
procedures. It is also based on critical usage of appropriate process into significant groups,
presentation of words in phonology format within language. Within Arabic language,
phonological procedures and theories are appropriately used for further extended effective usage
within presentation of words in effective format for extended usage. Also phonological
procedures are creatively focused on proper synchronization in meaning within language for
reading abilities and effective pronunciation. The critical understanding, and aligning of
processes into groups enables to present words in effective working format for language to
enhance its meaning for extended technical efficiency. It enhance practical approach among
people usage of literature, where language efficacy significantly shed lights towards optimum
aspects connected to phonological aspects (Al-Deaibes, 2021).
"Positional neutralisations", "Consonant-vowel interaction ,"Syllable-conditioned alternations",
and "Morphologically conditioned phonology",
 Phonological conditioning: In Phonological conditioning, The Allomorph is
conditioned when it form is dependent on adjacent phonemes. /–s/ are /-s, -z, -iz/ are the
three allomorph of the plural marker and they are said to be phonological conditioned
since their occurrence is dependent on preceding phonemes. In this the /-s/ occur with
morph that are ending with voiceless sound expect “sibilants and affricates”. For
examples cats, hats, books, caps etc. /iz/ occur with morphs that end with sibilant (s,z)
and affricates (ch, j), and /z/ occur when morphs ending with voice sound expect
“sibilants and affricates.
 Morphological conditioning are the phenomenon that phonological pattern is imposed
on proper subset of morphological construction (reduplication, affixation and
compounding). In another words, when the conditioning factor is not able to determine
any phonological feature but it is determined by specific morph. Such as, man-men,
child- children, “plural morpheme”. This kind of variation among allomorphs is known as
‘morphological conditioning’ (Bernstein-Ratner, 2021). For examples: sheep- sheep,
goose- geese and ox-oxen.
 Consonant-vowel interaction: A vowel is speech sound that is made with nucleus of
spoken syllable, mouth fairly open, while the consonant sound that is made with mouth

fairly closed. Hence, constant vowel is speech sound that is not a vowel. Likewise,
fricatives consonant involved approach that can be used to get close enough to each other
to create a turbulent airstream. For example: /ḥ/ /s /θ/, / /, /ṣ/, /f/, /z/, /ʃ/, /x/, ð/, /ɣ/, and
/h/. On the other hand, Affricates can also be said as consonant that start as stop and
release as complex speech or fricatives that consist of stop and fricated articulate
(Moshinsky, 2017). For example: In Arabic there are one affricate consonant such as ج/ʒ/
I that is given three-word position. Lateral is consonant that is produce by breath passing
along with sides of tongue, example of lateral ل/ l/, trill ر/ r/ in Arabic.
The salient group of process differ from language to language because there are certain
morphemes that are pronounced differently depending upon the context in which they have been
used. Such as the Phonological conditioning, Morphological conditioning and Consonant-vowel
interaction are different group of process that are used different in different language by the
individuals (Halle and Vergnaud, 2020).
Discussion of phonological processes
Phonological process is used of sound of one language to process spoken and written
language, so it is broadly categorised into phonological awareness, phonological retrieval
and ,phonological working memory. In short, it can be stated that all these are most three
important component of phonological process important in context of development of spoken
and written language skills. Such as:
 Phonological awareness: It is ability to analysis and manipulate structure and sound
structure of language that is range of speech sound, task, blending at word and
segmentation, phonemic level and syllable (Meade, 2020). Therefore, it is applied on
context when unit are being worked are phonemes, start rime segment and syllables.
 Phonological working memory: It is second steps in the process of Phonological
process that involve use of short-term memory to store of the phoneme information for
temporary time frame. This information is also readily available for changes in
phonological awareness task. Likewise, example of Phonological working memory task
is Nonword repetition (Meade, 2020).

 Phonological retrieval: The third steps for the phonological process is phonological
retrieval in which ability to recall the phonemes that are linked with particular graphemes
that can be easily assess through rapid name task. Furthermore, it has capabilities to recall
the speech sound in one particular language in order to integrate the phonological
awareness (Cole, 2018).
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that phonology helps in understanding what
sound are present in specific language and the manner in which they are being combined into
words. It has also been learned that there are three main steps that need to be followed in process
of phonology such as Phonological retrieval, Phonological working memory and Phonological
awareness. At last it can be summarised from above understanding that there are the salient
group of process different with different language.
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