New set of linguistics practice problems

I. Phonemes and phonology

The past tense in English is represented phonemically (in sound) with 3 distinct markers, represented by the below examples.  Using the 3 articulatory features we described in class, specify an informal rule that giverns the use of each past-tense form.

A               

liked           

tapped

missed

raked

B

surprised

rhymed

tugged

C

aided

needed

hoarded

II. Syntax

A. Given the PS rules below, determine whether each of the below sentences is grammatical (that is, follows the PS rules) or ungrammatical (does not follow the rules).

PS Rules:

S --> VP  NP

NP --> N  Art

VP --> NP  V

Sentences:

(a) boy the liked girl the.

(b) the boy liked the girl

(c) boy liked girl the

(d) liked boy the girl the

B. Given the below sentences, all of which are grammatical in this language (not English, even though I've used English words), try to deduce the PS Rules for this language

Sentences:                                    English translation:

Boy the girl the liked.                    "The boy liked the girl."

Jack Sue liked.                              "Jack liked Sue."

Boy the ate.                                   "The boy ate."

Boy the cheese ate.                        "The boy ate cheese."