Question

If [p] and [pʰ] are allophones of the same phoneme /p/, which of the following statements is/are true?

• A. [p] and [pʰ] are in contrastive distribution
• B. [p] and [pʰ] are in complementary distribution
• C. [pʰ] has more restrictive occurrence than [p]
• D. [p] and [pʰ] can be used interchangeably

Hint:

Allophones = complementary distribution. Remember: aspirated stops like [pʰ] occur in more restricted contexts than [p].

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B, C

Step 1: Define allophones.
Allophones are different phonetic realizations of the same phoneme. They do not create a change in meaning but occur in different phonological environments.

Step 2: Distribution type.
- [p] (unaspirated) and [pʰ] (aspirated) occur in complementary distribution. Example in English: - [pʰ] occurs at the beginning of stressed syllables (e.g., pin [pʰɪn]). - [p] occurs after /s/ (e.g., spin [spɪn]). Thus, they never overlap freely.

Step 3: Restriction.
[pʰ] has more limited distribution (only in certain environments), while [p] has broader occurrence. Therefore, (C) is correct.

Step 4: Elimination.
- (A) Contrastive distribution means minimal pairs with a meaning difference (not true here). - (D) Interchangeability is not possible without sounding unnatural. \[ \boxed{\text{Correct Answer: (B) and (C)}} \]