Optimality Theory, Paperback / softback Book

Optimality Theory Paperback / softback

Part of the Cambridge Textbooks in Linguistics series

Paperback / softback

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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.

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