Conditions on nuclear expressions in phonology
This thesis aims to provide a principled account of the distribution of 'tense'/'lax', and 'high/low' vowels in vowel harmony systems. It is based on the principles and parameters of Government Phonology in which variation is accounted for by possible combinations of parameter settings. To explain variation in 'tense/lax' and high/low' distribution, I exploit the interaction of the parametric aspects of three universal mechanisms: Licensing Constraints, Head-licensing (both Kaye (1993b)), and the Complexity Condition (Harris (1990a)). The type of language data this thesis seeks to account for has received some attention in the phonological literature, in terms of other frameworks as well as Government Phonology. These treatments are evaluated here. Two of the three main tools employed are recent inclusions in Government Phonology. The role of Licensing Constraints as parameters on element distribution is explored in the context of the principles and parameters drawn on in this thesis. Licensing Constraints have certain repercussions for other aspects of the theory. These are explored in detail. Licensing Constraints interact with Head-Licensing, a principle explaining 'ATR' distribution. Additionally, I claim
Cobb, Margaret
Vowel harmony
Conditions on nuclear expressions in phonology. This thesis aims to provide a principled account of the distribution of 'tense'/'lax', and 'high/low' vowels in vowel harmony systems. It is based on the principles and parameters of Government Phonology in which variation is accounted for by possible combinations of parameter settings. To explain variation in 'tense/lax' and high/low' distribution, I exploit the interaction of the parametric aspects of three universal mechanisms: Licensing Constraints, Head-licensing (both Kaye (1993b)), and the Complexity Condition (Harris (1990a)). The type of language data this thesis seeks to account for has received some attention in the phonological literature, in terms of other frameworks as well as Government Phonology. These treatments are evaluated here. Two of the three main tools employed are recent inclusions in Government Phonology. The role of Licensing Constraints as parameters on element distribution is explored in the context of the principles and parameters drawn on in this thesis. Licensing Constraints have certain repercussions for other aspects of the theory. These are explored in detail. Licensing Constraints interact with Head-Licensing, a principle explaining 'ATR' distribution. Additionally, I claim
conditions nuclear expression phonology aim_provide principled account distribution tense lax high_low vowel vowel harmony system base principle parameter government_phonology variation account possible combination parameter setting explain variation tense lax high_low distribution exploit interaction parametric aspect universal mechanism licensing constraints head licensing complexity condition harris type language data seek account receive_attention phonological literature term frameworks well government_phonology treatment evaluate here main tool employ recent inclusion government_phonology role licensing constraints parameter element distribution explore context principle parameter draw thesis licensing constraints certain repercussion aspect theory explore detail licensing constraints interact head licensing principle explain distribution additionally claim