* Phonemes are the smallest units of sound that distinguish meaning in a language. They are typically represented by individual letters or combinations of letters. Examples include /p/, /b/, /t/, /d/, /k/, /g/, /m/, /n/, /s/, /f/, etc.
* Suprasegmentals, on the other hand, are features that extend over multiple phonemes. They are aspects of pronunciation that affect the overall sound of a word or phrase, but they don't have a specific sound of their own.
So, suprasegmentals are not phonemes themselves, but rather features that modify phonemes. They are often called prosodic features or prosodic elements.
Here are some common suprasegmental features:
* Stress: The emphasis placed on a syllable in a word (e.g., "REcord" vs. "reCORD").
* Tone: The pitch contour of a syllable or word, which can change meaning in some languages (e.g., Mandarin Chinese).
* Intonation: The overall pitch pattern of a phrase or sentence (e.g., rising intonation at the end of a question).
* Rhythm: The timing and length of syllables in a word or phrase (e.g., the rhythmic pattern of English poetry).
* Juncture: The pauses and breaks between words or phrases.
Where do these suprasegmental features come from?
They arise from the interaction of various physiological and linguistic factors:
* Physiological: The way our vocal cords vibrate, the shape of our mouth and tongue, and the flow of air from our lungs all contribute to creating different pitches and rhythms.
* Linguistic: The structure of a language, its grammar, and its rules for word formation can influence which suprasegmental features are used and how they are used.
In short, suprasegmentals are not individual sounds like phonemes, but rather features that modify sound production and add meaning and nuance to speech. They are a fundamental part of how languages are spoken and understood.