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I have the notion that /t/ and /th/ (aspirated [t]) are complementary allophones. How would I write the rule that an aspirated t occurs at the beginning of a word and the beginning of a stressed syllable? I already have some of it:

/t/ -> [th] /#_ or ??
-> [t] Elsewhere

But I don't know how to write the syllable bit as a rule.

We've only really spoken about things being at the start or end of gaps and whether the sounds are followed by vowels (front or back) or consonants.

It's a pretty simple question but I can't find the answer anywhere - please bare in mind I've only been studying Linguistics in any capacity for 9 weeks.

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  • Even if you get a helpful answer, I'd hold out a day or two before accepting one. Otherwise, people may not bother to write you any more answers, and you may miss out on useful info (and so will future readers).
    – Araucaria - him
    Dec 5, 2022 at 23:52
  • May I ask, are you a native speaker? If so, I have a burning question I'd like to ask you in relation to your title. It's related to my PhD thesis (It's also completely unrelated to your own question).
    – Araucaria - him
    Dec 5, 2022 at 23:57

1 Answer 1

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The SPE notation for a stressed syllable is to put an acute accent above the V symbol denoting any vowel. I found it somewhat hidden in this handout on SPE.

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