ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-134-002 · ATLAS 251

Sonority hierarchy

A ranking of sound classes based on their relative sonority and suitability for the syllable peak.

Explanation

An ordering of sound classes according to their relative sonority and suitability for the syllable peak. Syllables appear as directed movements toward a sonic center and back away from it.

Example

In many syllables, sonority rises toward the vowel and then falls again.

Counterexample

Acoustic loudness is not equivalent to phonological sonority.

Distinction

Distinguishing syllables: loudness in the physical sense is not equivalent to phonological sonority.

Effect on thought and perception

Syllables appear as directed movements toward a sonic center and back away from it.

Resonance

The sonority hierarchy renders a directional relationship perceptible: syllables appear as directed movements toward a phonetic center and away from it again.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Sonority hierarchy“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-134-002. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-134-002

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-134-002

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