44 research outputs found
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Review of Strength and Weakness at the Interface: Positional Neutralization in Phonetics and Phonology
Linguistic
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Overwriting Does Not Optimize in Nonconcatenative Word Formation
Overwriting is modeled in Optimality Theory as a competition for a position within the derivational base (Alderete et al. 1999, Ussishkin 1997). Faithfulness constraints that are evaluated on the basis of segment counting predict a typology of languages in which (a) optimization dictates that the relative size of the affixal material determines whether it will win out and “overwrite” the base, and (b) optimization ensures that if both the affix and base material can surface without incurring phonotactic violations, this should be optimal. Both predictions are wrong. Hebrew denominal verb formation and Hindi echo reduplication demonstrate cases of nonconcatenative derivation in which overwriting is better understood as rule-induced change.Linguistic
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Review of Markedness and Economy in a Derivational Model of Phonology
Linguistic
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On Formal Universals in Phonology
Understanding the universal aspects of human language structure requires comparison at multiple levels of analysis. While Evans & Levinson (E&L) focus mostly on substantive variation in language, equally revealing insights can come from studying formal universals. I first discuss how Artificial Grammar Experiments can test universal preferences for certain types of abstract phonological generalizations over others. I then discuss moraic onsets in the language Arrernte, and how its apparent substantive variation ultimately rests on a formal universal regarding syllable-weight sensitivity.Linguistic
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Obliteration vs. Impoverishment in the Basque g-/z- Constraint
Linguistic
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Two Types of Neuter: Closest-Conjunct Agreement in the Presence of '5 and Ups'
Linguistic