Words and feet

Authors
Citation
E. Fudge, Words and feet, J LINGUIST, 35(2), 1999, pp. 273-296
Citations number
13
Categorie Soggetti
Language & Linguistics
Journal title
JOURNAL OF LINGUISTICS
ISSN journal
00222267 → ACNP
Volume
35
Issue
2
Year of publication
1999
Pages
273 - 296
Database
ISI
SICI code
0022-2267(199907)35:2<273:WAF>2.0.ZU;2-P
Abstract
This article challenges the commonly-held assumption that words, feet and s yllables fit into a single phonological hierarchy, and in particular that f eet are always sub-units of words. A number of facts of English rhythm are cited which cannot be accounted for unless words and feet are taken to be u nits of different hierarchies: many of the differences of rhythm between ph rases of otherwise similar phonological structure which are noted by Abercr ombie (1964) are accounted for most naturally by differences in placement b etween, on the one hand, word- and stress-group-boundaries, and, on the oth er, foot-boundaries.