Morphological alternations at the intonational phrase edge

Abstract

This article develops an analysis of a pair of morphological alternations in K'ichee' (Mayan) that are conditioned at the right edge of intonational phrase boundaries. I propose a syntax-prosody mapping algorithm that derives intonational phrase boundaries from the surface syntax, and then argue that each alternation can be understood in terms of output optimization (Mascaró 2007;Mester 1994). The important fact is that K'ichee' requires a prominence peak rightmost in the intonational phrase, and so the morphological alternations occur in order to ensure an optimal host for this prominence peak. Finally, I consider the wider implications of the analysis for the architecture of the syntax-phonology interface, especially as it concerns late-insertion theories of morphology

Mayan phonology

“…A notable exception is Anderbois (), who argues that various phonological processes affecting the distribution of laryngeals in Yucatec are conditioned by word and phrase boundaries. Similar facts are given for K'iche' in Henderson (). Bennett () reports longer periods of aspiration for phrase‐final aspirated stops in Tz'utujil (section 3.4.1).…”

“…Nielsen ). These patterns thus support a model of grammatical computation in which morphological insertion has access to pre‐constructed prosodic boundaries; see Hayes (), Keating & Shattuck‐Hufnagel (), Ackema & Neeleman (), Henderson () for more discussion.…”

“…Yasavul (), Burdin et al (). Velleman () discusses interactions between in situ focus and prosody in Kichee', arguing that prosody cannot be the sole determiner of focus for post‐verbal subjects; see also Henderson (). Curiel Ramírez del Prado () provides an extensive description of the morpho‐syntax and prosody of information structure in Tojolab'al, and reports parallel facts for the prosodic marking of topic and focus in that language.…”

“…Henderson () shows that the distribution of certain verbal suffixes in K'iche' depends on prosodic structure: so‐called ‘status suffixes’ like ‐ik ‘ ITV ’ are found only on verbs that appear at the right edge of an intonational phrase: phrase‐medial verbs do not carry these suffixes (see also Coon this volume). Henderson also shows that several functional morphemes, such as the irrealis marker ta(j) , are realized as [CV] in phrase‐medial position, but [CVC] in phrase‐final position (see also Barrett ).…”

Variation in the prosody of focus in head- and head/edge-prominence languages

“…Larsen (1988) and Nielsen (2005) described K'iche' stress as word-final. However, Henderson (2012) claimed that K'iche' stress is word-final, unless the final syllable is light non-root material, in which case the final root syllable is stressed.…”