NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

What is defined as the insertion of additional sounds into words?

1. Elision

2. Epenthesis

3. Transformations

4. Discourse coherence

The correct answer is: Epenthesis

Epenthesis is the term used to describe the insertion of additional sounds into words. This phonological process can happen in various languages and can affect the pronunciation of words, often making them easier to articulate or conforming to specific phonetic rules. For example, in English, the insertion of a sound in a word like "film" pronounced as "filum" is a common case of epenthesis. This phenomenon often occurs in speech patterns, particularly in dialects or among language learners as they navigate the complexities of pronunciation in a new language. The other terms listed refer to different linguistic concepts. Elision is the omission of sounds from words, typically to simplify pronunciation. Transformations pertain to changes in sentence structure or grammar, particularly in theories of generative grammar. Discourse coherence involves the logical flow and clarity of ideas within spoken or written communication, which is unrelated to the insertion of sounds in words. Understanding these distinctions highlights the unique role of epenthesis in phonetic development and language acquisition.