PHONETIC KNOWLEDGE

This paper argues that the phonetic interpretation of phonological rep resentations may be controlled as well as automatic, because contextua l variation in the realization of distinctive feature values is a flex ible and adaptive response to variation in the demands on the producti on or perception of these values between contexts. The principal evide nce presented in support of this argument is that the variation in the phonetic realization of speech sounds between contexts or languages i nvolves reorganization of articulations into distinct phonetic categor ies. Extensive evidence of such reorganization in the realization of t he feature [voice] is presented.