r-Intrusion in English Non-Rhotic Dialect:Misinterpretation and Coincidence with Phonetic Naturalness

Abstract

This paper argues that the English non-rhotic dialect is triggered by misinterpretation of the ambiguous status of /r/ as UR or glide, and leads to sound change, for it coincides with the phonetically natural process of glide insertion, evidenced by gestural overlap (Gick 1999). English r-intrusion should be considered both synchronically (phonetic quality) and diachronically (historical origin).Previous studies have focused on only one side while this paper shows historical trigger and synchronic motivation that leads to sound change. Based on Ohala (1993)'s argument, my proposal traces the process of how the phonetic byproduct becomes a legitimate phonological segment. This study supports the view that sound change is not teleological, but subject to unintended events among speakers.