How Many Phonemes Does the English Language Use

question 134

Multiple Choice

How many phonemes does the English language use

• A) approximately 450,000 phonemes, one for each word 
• B) 26 phonemes, one for each letter of the alphabet 
• C) about 40 phonemes, corresponding to the letters of the alphabet plus several variations 
• D) all of the 100 or so phonemes that humans are capable of producing

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Definitions:

Physiological

Pertaining to the functions and activities of living organisms and their parts, including all physical and chemical processes.

Behavioral

Pertaining to or involving actions and responses observable in living organisms, particularly in humans and animals.

Strongest Possible Manipulations

In experimental design, the most intense level of manipulation applied to an independent variable to maximize the detection of an effect.

Ceiling Effects

occur when an assessment instrument reaches its upper limit, leading to a clustering of scores at the high end and failing to distinguish between high-performing individuals.