Question

Given the following phonological rule, which one of the options CANNOT be an output? 

 

• A. [sampark]
• B. [lantap]
• C. [pinjkata]
• D. [danpo]

Hint:

For nasal assimilation, the nasal sound takes on the place of articulation of the following consonant. If the nasal sound does not change its place of articulation as expected, it violates the rule.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the phonological rule.
The rule states that a nasal sound will take on the place of articulation of the following consonant. Specifically, the nasal sound will assimilate to the place of the following consonant.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.

(A) [sampark]:
The nasal [m] is followed by [p], a bilabial consonant. The nasal [m] is a bilabial nasal, which correctly assimilates to [p], so this follows the rule.

(B) [lantap]:
The nasal [n] is followed by [t], a dental consonant. The nasal [n] will assimilate to the place of [t] and become a dental nasal [n̪], which fits the rule.

(C) [pinjkata]:
The nasal [n] is followed by [j], a palatal consonant. According to the rule, the nasal should assimilate to the palatal place of articulation, making it a palatal nasal, which is consistent with the rule.

(D) [danpo]:
The nasal [n] is followed by [p], a bilabial consonant. The nasal [n] should assimilate to [p] and become a bilabial nasal [m], but the output is [danpo], which retains the dental nasal [n]. This does not follow the rule, making this the incorrect option.