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What would you expect from a dialect, accent, or language that contains more high vowels or a higher tongue position in vowel production?

A. Increased nasal resonance
B. Decreased vowel reduction
C. Greater articulatory precision
D. Enhanced vowel harmony

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

In a dialect or language characterized by higher vowel positions, one would expect decreased vowel reduction due to the increased articulatory effort required to produce these sounds. The correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the expectations from a dialect, accent, or language that contains a higher proportion of high vowels, or a higher tongue position in vowel production. Among the options provided, the most accurate expectation is B. Decreased vowel reduction.

Vowel reduction often occurs in unstressed syllables and is less likely to happen with high vowels that require a more specific tongue position, implying that there is a need for greater articulatory effort to produce these sounds.

Higher vowel positions typically involve more muscular tension and a narrower vocal tract configuration, which can reduce the likelihood of vowel centralization and thus vowel reduction. This characteristic leads to the preservation of full vowel sounds in more contexts. The correct option is B.

User Jacob Edmond
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