free variation
Non-distinctive phonetic switching
Free variation describes sounds or forms that speakers use interchangeably without changing meaning.
The words "economics" and "either" can be pronounced two different ways; neither pronunciation is more correct, and switching between them carries no semantic consequence.
In linguistics, free variation contrasts with meaningful variation, where a sound change alters the word.
Non-distinctive sound variation
- phonemeMinimal distinctive sound unit
- neutralizationCanceling opposing forces
- assimilationAbsorbing into a whole
- elisionDropped sounds in speech
flapping · nasalization · schwa · stress patterns · underlying form
Regional language variety
- idiolectIndividual's unique speech patterns
- sociolectLanguage variety by group
- registerRecord officially; vocal range
- style-shiftingAdapting speech for context
code-switching · vernacular · accent · language change · social stratification
Manner of speaking words
- articulationClear vocal expression
- intonationPitch variation in speech
- prosodyStudy of verse rhythm
- pitchFrequency of sound
tone · stress · rhythm · tempo · voice quality · utterance · speaking style · casual speech
Quality of being swappable
- substitutabilityCapacity for exchange
- alternantInterchangeable form in linguistics
- synonymySameness of meaning
- either-orPresenting two alternatives
allophone
Non-distinctive sound variation
- phonemeMinimal distinctive sound unit
- neutralizationCanceling opposing forces
- assimilationAbsorbing into a whole
elision · flapping · nasalization · schwa · stress patterns · underlying form
dialect
Regional language variety
- idiolectIndividual's unique speech patterns
- sociolectLanguage variety by group
- registerRecord officially; vocal range
style-shifting · code-switching · vernacular · accent · language change · social stratification
pronunciation
Manner of speaking words
- articulationClear vocal expression
- intonationPitch variation in speech
- prosodyStudy of verse rhythm
pitch · tone · stress · rhythm · tempo · voice quality · utterance · speaking style · casual speech · formal speech
interchangeability
Quality of being swappable
- substitutabilityCapacity for exchange
- alternantInterchangeable form in linguistics
- synonymySameness of meaning
- sound changesassimilation, elision, deletion, voicing, nasalization
- phoneticsphonemes, phoneme, vocal folds, consonants, vowels
- phonologyphonemes, phoneme, consonants, vowels, allophone