[continuousness]

Definition

Jakobson and Lotz (1949) characterize [continuous] phonemes with a “non-intermitted airstream” and as phonemes that “possess no vocalic feature” (Jakobson & Lotz 1949:430). 

Purpose

The feature [continuous] was introduced to differentiate fricatives from explosives (Jakobson & Lotz 1949:430). 

History

Jakobson and Lotz (1949) introduce the opposition [continuous] vs. [intercepted]. Though they do not define [continuousness], it is used synonymously with the feature [continuous] and should be understood under the same terms. The feature was quickly abandoned after its introduction.

References

Jakobson, Roman; and John Lotz. 1949. Notes on the French phonemic pattern. Word 5.151-158. Reprinted in 1962 in Selected writings: Vol. 1: Phonological studies, ed. by Roman Jakobson, 426-434. ’S-Gravenhage: Mouton.

Author

Ainsley Graf