Juncture (theory)

Juncture theory, developed by linguist William Labov, explains how the connection between sounds in speech influences meaning. It focuses on how the timing and pause between words or sounds can signal different relationships—whether words are combined as a single phrase or separated as distinct elements. In spoken language, slight pauses or the way sounds merge can change interpretations, like distinguishing "ice cream" from "icecream." Juncture helps us understand the subtle ways speech conveys structure and intent, highlighting the importance of pauses and sound transitions in effective communication.