Phono-Logical TheoriesBBK

Spring 2013

6: Optimality Theory

Problems with the linear model - recap

●With (the) derivation●No logical connection / causal relation between structural description and structural change●=> overgenerates●abstract UR's, extrinsic rule ordering, intermediate repr's●solution: non-derivational theories:●Government Phonology (GP)●Optimality Theory (OT)

OT: intro

● UG contains a set of violable constraints● constraints: universal properties of lang● each lang has its own ranking for these

constraints● differences between constraint rankings =>

different patterns => systematic variation between languages

● ranking: A >> B

OT: intro

● fundamental conflict: markedness constraints vs. faithfulness constraints

● markedness constraints, e.g. ONSET, NoCoda●

OT: intro

OT: intro

● fundamental conflict: markedness constraints vs. faithfulness constraints

● markedness constraints, e.g. ONSET, NoCoda● faithfulness constraints: require that the output

be identical to the input●

OT: intro

OT: intro

● fundamental conflict: markedness constraints vs. faithfulness constraints

● markedness constraints, e.g. ONSET, NoCoda● faithfulness constraints: require that the output

be identical to the input● a constraint may be violated successfully only

in order to satisfy a higher-ranked constraint● Principles and Parameters replaced by

language-particular ranking of universal constraints

OT: intro

● output-oriented: "conspiracy" of phonological regularities

● standard representations, novel mechanism for "derivation" (evaluation)

● originally developed for phonology, later applied to syntax, morphology and other branches of linx

OT: the structure of grammar

OT: the constraints

OT: the structure of grammar

OT: the structure of grammar

OT: the structure of grammar

Summary

Example: Dutch

Example: Dutch

Example: Dutch vs. English

Example: allophonic variation

Example: allophonic variation

Example: allophonic variation

Example: allophonic variation