Which process involves the switching of sounds in a word?

Prepare for the VCE English Language Test. Study with questions that include hints and explanations. Gain confidence for your exam!

The process that involves the switching or rearranging of sounds in a word is known as metathesis. This occurs when the order of sounds is altered within a word, resulting in a different pronunciation or form. For example, in some dialects of English, "ask" is pronounced as "aks." This phonological process can occur naturally over time in language evolution or in casual speech.

Insertion refers to the addition of sounds, flapping is a specific phonetic phenomenon that occurs in some dialects where a 't' or 'd' is pronounced as a quick flap, and hedging involves linguistic strategies used to express uncertainty or politeness in conversation. These processes are distinct from metathesis, as they involve different linguistic modifications rather than the rearrangement of sounds within words. Understanding metathesis is crucial in linguistics as it highlights the dynamic nature of spoken language and how it can change over time.

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