Asymmetries in the Consonant System of Khalkha Mongolian

An Element Theory Analysis

Abstract

The Mongolian phonemic system exhibits some asymmetries; however, previous studies have not theoretically analyzed them. Using element theory (ET), this study points out and analyzes three asymmetries in the Mongolian consonant system. First, labials and velars are opposed to alveolars in their occurring condition and phonetic realization, suggesting that labials and velars have the common element |U|, but alveolars do not. Second, /g/ behaves like voiced sonorants, whereas /t/ is parallel to other voiceless stops, and /b/ has intermediate characteristics between them in phonetic realization and coda constraint. This is explainable by assuming that /t/ has the elements |ʔ| and |H|, whereas /b/ has only |H| and /g/ has neither. Third, liquids /ɮ/ vs. /r/ are asymmetric in phonetic characteristics, coda constraint, and phonotactics, implying that /ɮ/ has the element |H|, whereas /r/ does not. In conclusion, the asymmetries in Mongolian can be elucidated using ET; in addition, this analysis demonstrates the theoretical validity of ET.