Skip to main content
Skip to main menu Skip to spotlight region Skip to secondary region Skip to UGA region Skip to Tertiary region Skip to Quaternary region Skip to unit footer

Slideshow

(thr)-Flapping in American English: Social factors and articulatory motivations

Joseph A. Stanley

University of Georgia

 

Abstract

This paper is the first dedicated study on (thr)-flapping, or the insertion of a tap in /θɹ/ clusters in American English. While [ɾ] is often described as an allophone of alveolar stops, it is not normally associated with /ɹ/ in American English speakers. Using data collected from word lists by 85 speakers in Washington and Utah, I show that (thr)-flapping is a significant minority variant, especially in Utah. I propose sociolinguistic factors that account for the difference between these two states and suggest articulatory motivations for flapping in this environment. This paper lays the groundwork for additional research on (thr)-flapping.

 

Proceedings of the 5th Annual Linguistics Conference at UGA: 49–63

Published April 15, 2020

 

View this article on Athenaeum

 

Previous Article Table of Contents

 

Support Linguistics at UGA

Your donations to the Department of Linguistics will support research and travel opportunities for students and faculty and other initiatives to enhance students' education in linguistics. Please consider joining other friends and alumni who have shown their support by making a gift to our fund. We greatly appreciate your contributions to the success of our programs!  

EVERY DOLLAR CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEPARTMENT HAS A DIRECT IMPACT ON OUR STUDENTS AND FACULTY.