You Are a Non-English-Speaking Linguist Using a Minimal-Pair Test to Study

You are a non-English-speaking linguist using a minimal-pair test to study the sound system of English.You pronounce two short words that are exactly the same except for one sound: "bat" and "vat." Then you ask your informants if the difference in sound has any effect on meaning.They say,"Of course-wouldn't you prefer to have your dinner cooked in a vat instead of a bat?" What are these two sounds examples of?

A) phonemes
B) vocal qualifiers
C) vocal segregates
D) morphemes

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free