Syntax-Prosody in Optimality Theory: Theory and Analyses

The dominant approach to studying phonology, Optimality Theory, is discussed in the text. It emphasizes the difficulty of manually generating all possible prosodic parses for a given syntactic input, leading to incomplete analyses. The Syntax-Prosody in Optimality Theory (SPOT) application, developed by the editors, automates candidate generation and constraint evaluation, making rigorous Optimality Theory analysis of syntax-prosody possible. The volume compares Selkirks Match Theory with the older Align Theory and highlights the need for both in certain languages.

Format: Hardback
Length: 558 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Equinox Publishing Ltd

The study of phonology has undergone a significant transformation with the emergence of Optimality Theory as the dominant approach. This theory encompasses a wide range of analyses, including the mapping between syntactic structure and prosodic structure. However, when syntactic and prosodic structures are represented as trees, the task of systematically generating all possible prosodic parses becomes challenging, if not impossible, to accomplish manually. As a result, most existing syntax-prosody analyses fall short of completeness, compromising their validity.

To address this issue, this volume presents a series of comprehensive analyses of the syntax-prosody interface. These analyses leverage the Syntax-Prosody in Optimality Theory (SPOT) application, a groundbreaking JavaScript tool developed by the editors of this volume. SPOT automates the generation of candidate parses and the evaluation of constraints, enabling rigorous Optimality Theory analysis of syntax-prosody.

One of the key features of SPOT is its ability to test the typological predictions of various proposed constraints on prosodic markedness and syntax-prosody mapping. By allowing users to explore different formulations of these constraints, researchers can make progress in determining which formulations should be included in the universal constraint set. This comparative analysis between Selkirk's Match Theory and the older Align Theory of syntax-prosody mapping serves as a theme of the volume, highlighting the need for both approaches, at least in certain languages.

In conclusion, Optimality Theory has revolutionized the study of phonology by providing a comprehensive framework for analyzing the mapping between syntax and prosody. However, the complexity of generating all possible prosodic parses and evaluating constraints has posed a significant challenge. The SPOT application, developed by the editors of this volume, has addressed this challenge by automating candidate generation and constraint evaluation, making rigorous Optimality Theory analysis of syntax-prosody possible. Through the comparative analysis of different theories and the exploration of proposed constraints, researchers can advance our understanding of the syntax-prosody interface and contribute to the development of a more comprehensive and valid theory of phonology.

Weight: 3116g
Dimension: 234 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800502758