Abstract

This is a research-based article on the generative phonology of bahasa Minangkabau (BM). The aims of this article are to (1) find out the types of phonological processes of BM segments, and (2) formulate phonological rules of BM segments. The data was obtained from the native speakers of BM living in Padang, the capital of West Sumatra Province. The findings of the study showed that sound segments in BM underwent four kinds of phonological processes, including assimilation, deletion, addition, and lenition. In terms of rules, the findings led to the formulation of seven phonological rules in BM; they are (1) consonant /k/ assimilation, (2) consonant /h/ assimilation, (3) vowel assimilation, (4) consonant /h/ deletion, (5) lateral consonant deletion, (6) consonant /r/ addition, and (7) vowel /i/ lenition.