The Sonority Sequencing Principle in Sanandaji/Erdelani Kurdish: An Optimality Theoretical Perspective

Abstract

The aim of this article is to study Sanandaji consonant clusters in relation with their conformity to the principle of sonority sequencing. Analyzing the data provided in this paper, we found out that, of the three kinds of consonant clusters existing in all languages, only core clusters-clusters that conform to the sonority sequencing principle (SSP)-are found in Sanandaji, and therefore the arrangement and combination of segments to make syllables in this dialect of Kurdish is absolutely governed by the SSP. Applying principles of Optimality Theory on the data, the relative ranking of syllable structure constraints is determined, the outcome of which is deriving surface phonotactic patterns through the interaction of markedness and faithfulness constraints.

Percentage of Consonants Correct for 3-5 Years Old Kurdish-Speaking Children With Middle Kurmanji-Mukryani Dialect

“…Kurdish language contains 30 consonants and 8 vowels [32]. The consonants of Kurdish language with Middle Kurmanji-Mukryani dialect include nine stops (p , b , t , d , k , g , q , ʔ, ʕ), ten fricatives (f , v , s , z , ʃ , Ʒ , x , ɣ , h ,ħ), two affricatives (ʧ, ʤ), three nasals (m, n, ŋ), two laterals (l , ł), one flap (ɾ), one trill (r), and two glides (w, j) [30,[32][33][34].…”

“…This difference does not lead to phonological contrast and producing the minimal pairs in Middle Kurmanji-Mukryani dialect [33]. Syllable structure in the Kurdish language is (C)CV(C)(C)(C) that can be attributed to all the different dialects and accents of Kurdish language [31,[34][35][36]. Kurdish language has consonant clusters at the beginning of syllables, but their number is limited [31,[33][34][35][36].…”