Syllable Structure and Stress

Abstract

We use phonological variation to refer to alternative forms that are available in a language, such as different syllable structures or word stress patterns in English. We discuss several approaches to such variations and argue for a new approach, in which all alternative forms observe a set of inviolable constraints. In particular, we propose that all English words observe four constraints: (a) a foot must be disyllabic, (b) stressed syllables must be heavy, (c) heavy syllables must have stress, and (d) the maximal syllable is CVX. We discuss the implications of our proposal for Optimality Theory and for the analysis of linguistic variation in general. WHAT IS PHONOLOGICAL VARIATION?* For helpful comments, we would like to thank Yuchau Hsiao and James Myers.

Prominence from Complexity: Capturing Tianjin Ditonal Patterns

“… 8 That the OCP can apply at two different levels of contour and feature is relatively uncontroversial and is compatible with most models of tone structure, e.g. Bao (1990, 1999), Duanmu (1990), Yip (1980, 1989) (though in Duanmu’s model this is only possible at the laryngeal node). See Yip (1995) for an excellent summary.…”

Perceptual attention as the locus of transfer to nonnative speech perception

“…In the case of Mandarin, more PA is devoted to VC transitions due to their higher RFL in Mandarin. Unlike Japanese, Mandarin does contrast consonants in word-final position, even if the contrast is limited to sonorants (/n N/, which have some weak internal cues, /õ/, depending on dialect, and /j w/; Duanmu, 2007Duanmu, , 2014 and there is some covariation of vowel quality with the coda. However, Mandarin SPRs do not include much PA to vowel duration due to a low RFL; Mandarin has no length contrast, and other contrasts involving duration, such as tone contrasts (see, e.g., Chang & Yao, 2007), are signaled by strong primary cues (e.g., voice pitch, voice quality).…”

Experimental Evidence of Syllabification of /sC/-Clusters at Onset Position by Kashmiri Speakers in Pakistani English

“…Roach (2002) also adds that the maximum number of consonants in coda position is four in English. In addition, Duanmu (2009) discusses the consonant clustering in English based on phonotactics. Duanmu (2009) also says that the initial /s/ can be excluded from the cluster.…”

“…In addition, Duanmu (2009) discusses the consonant clustering in English based on phonotactics. Duanmu (2009) also says that the initial /s/ can be excluded from the cluster. However, on the basis of CVX theory, all coda clusters can be explained by affixes (Duanmu 2009: 171-181).…”