| Abstract |
The theory of Functional Discourse Grammar assumes that the structure of linguistic items is to a large extent determined by their use, but this idea has not yet been fleshed out in the realm of phonology and phonetics. The present paper aims to address this void, and argues that FDG should be extended with a fifth level of representation, namely a Phonetic Level. With this addition, the model can capture the interaction of two competing functional pressures: the maximization of perceptual distinctiveness, and the minimization of articulatory effort.
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