Optimality Theory Paperback / softback
by Rene (Universiteit Utrecht, The Netherlands) Kager
Part of the Cambridge Textbooks in Linguistics series
Paperback / softback
Description
This is an introduction to Optimality Theory, whose central idea is that surface forms of language reflect resolutions of conflicts between competing constraints.
A surface form is 'optimal' if it incurs the least serious violations of a set of constraints, taking into account their hierarchical ranking.
Languages differ in the ranking of constraints; and any violations must be minimal.
The book does not limit its empirical scope to phonological phenomena, but also contains chapters on the learnability of OT grammars; OT's implications for syntax; and other issues such as opacity.
It also reviews in detail a selection of the considerable research output which OT has already produced.
Exercises accompany chapters 1-7, and there are sections on further reading.
Optimality Theory will be welcomed by any linguist with a basic knowledge of derivational Generative Phonology.
Information
-
Out of stock
- Format:Paperback / softback
- Pages:466 pages, Worked examples or Exercises
- Publisher:Cambridge University Press
- Publication Date:28/06/1999
- Category:
- ISBN:9780521589802
Information
-
Out of stock
- Format:Paperback / softback
- Pages:466 pages, Worked examples or Exercises
- Publisher:Cambridge University Press
- Publication Date:28/06/1999
- Category:
- ISBN:9780521589802
