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phonemically as ia, or as a semi-vowel, in which case the word would be transcribed
phonemically as ja. Only the latter case fits into the unambiguous CV pattern, and so ja
is the preferred interpretation.
In some cases a sound could be interpreted as a single segment or a sequence of
segments. Suppose Kalaba contains the word [J5=]. The alveopalatal affricate [J5] could
be interpreted as a sequence of two segments, [J] followed by [5], in which case the word
would be transcribed phonemically as J5= J5=, J5= or it could be interpreted as a single segment,
[?], in which case the word could be transcribed phonemically as ?= ?=. ?= Only the latter case
fits into the unambiguous CV syllable pattern, so [J5] is interpreted as a single segment
rather than a sequence of segments in Kalaba.
The syllable thus plays the following role in phonemic analysis:
• Language is assumed to have an abstract phonological unit called the syllable.
• Based on our understanding of cross-linguistic behavior, certain sequences of
segments are assumed to comprise unambiguous syllable patterns in a given
language.
• Sequences of segments which are cross-linguistically assumed to comprise
ambiguous syllable patterns are interpreted in such a way that they fit into the
unambiguous syllable patterns attested in a given language.
One issue which has not received much attention in the literature is whether or not
to take into consideration marginal data in putting forth an analysis of syllable structure.
That is, syllable patterns may (1) be rare, (2) only occur in loan words or ideophones, or
(3) have only a limited distribution within the word. I take these criteria into account in
considering whether or not to include a given syllable pattern in the inventory of Mono
syllable types.
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