Segmental Optimality Theory
Evan-Gary Cohen
The seminar is a continuation of Advanced Phonology. We discuss the treatment of various phonological phenomena within Optimality Theory (OT) frameworks. We start with a discussion of features (post-SPE, pre-OT, OT – Part I). We then present other approaches to features (cue constraints – Part II), continuing with a discussion of vowel harmony (Part III), tone (Part IV), culminating with a discussion of additional theoretical aspects of OT (variation, lexicon stratification, stochastic OT, cue weighting, lexical exceptions – Part V).

Prerequisites: Advanced Phonology.

Course requirements: Attendance of lectures, reading, 2 class presentations, final paper.