Question

The transcription [spɪn] represents the word "spin." Why is there no aspiration on [p]?

• A. Because [p] is always unaspirated in English
• B. Because [p] follows [s] in the word
• C. Because [p] is voiceless
• D. Because [p] is at the end of the word

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Because [p] follows [s] in the word

The transcription [spɪn] represents the word "spin," and there is no aspiration on [p] because of the phonological rule that governs aspiration in English.

Why is [p] not aspirated in "spin"?

In English, voiceless plosives (/p, t, k/) are aspirated ([pʰ], [tʰ], [kʰ]) when they appear at the beginning of a stressed syllable, unless they follow /s/.

Aspiration Rule in English:

1. Aspirated: When /p, t, k/ occur at the start of a stressed syllable

   • "pin" → [pʰɪn] (aspirated [pʰ])

   • "top" → [tʰɑp] (aspirated [tʰ])

   • "cat" → [kʰæt] (aspirated [kʰ])

2. Not Aspirated: When /p, t, k/ appear after /s/ in the same syllable

   • "spin" → [spɪn] (no aspiration on [p])

   • "stop" → [stɑp] (no aspiration on [t])

   • "ski" → [ski] (no aspiration on [k])