Government Phonology

Government Phonology is a linguistic framework that explains how speech sounds (phonemes) are organized and interact within words. It emphasizes that sounds are governed by specific features (like voiced or nasal) that are "licensed" or supported by particular sound structures, called "government." This approach focuses on the relationships between sounds rather than just their individual properties, aiming to uncover the underlying principles that make certain sound patterns possible across languages. In essence, it provides a systematic way to understand the patterns and constraints shaping spoken language at a fundamental, structural level.