Phonetic Factors in Word Order

Abstract Binomial expressions, of the form X and Y, often prefer one sequence of elements over the other. This investigation examines the hypothesis that such preferences are due, in part at least, to phonetic properties of the conjoined words. Native speakers revealed highly significant preference patterns when asked to judge conjoined CVC syllables, in English, German and Afrikaans – patterns which could be associated with phonetic properties of the vowel segments. The prosodic structure of the binomial expression also appeared to play a role in determining order preferences.