Different aspects of Assimilation / The rules of Assimilation.

Different aspects of Assimilation / The rules of Assimilation

Discuss the rules of Assimilation. / Describe different aspects of Assimilation.

(Short Points:-  Assimilation, Types of assimilation, Regressive assimilation, Progressive assimilation, Reciprocal assimilation, Consonant assimilation.)

Ans: 

The changes in pronunciation at the beginning and ending of words is called assimilation. It occurs under certain conditions in connected speech. In this process,a sound becomes similar to the nearby sound.

Assimilation is of two major sorts: 1. Regressive assimilation. 2. Progressive assimilation. It also can be segmented as 3. Reciprocal assimilation. 4. Consonant assimilation.

Regressive assimilation: 

While two juxtaposed words are uttered,the last segment of the first word is replaced by the assimilated segment.

 
  i.e.  Ten pens = tɛm pɛnz

Progressive assimilation:

In juxtaposition of the two words,the first segment of the second word is replaced by the assimilated segment. The final segment of the first word remains unchanged.
i.e.   Did you = dɪd juː

Reciprocal assimilation:

 

 When there is a mutual influence between the two segment,both sounds are changed.
e.g. Could You = / kudZu/
soldier = ˈsəʊlʤə picture = ˈpɪkʧə

Consonant assimilation: 

 

Here,the two segment dissolve fully and make a different one.
e.g. /d/ - /b/ = bad boys.
       /n/ - /m/ = ten men.
       /t/ - /p/ = that person.