Word Prominence in Languages with Complex Morphologies

This volume explores the theoretical and analytical challenges of word-level prosodic phenomena in languages with complex morphologies, combining phonetic, phonological, and morphosyntactic insights. It will be of interest to phonologists, morphologists, and those interested in the typological and theoretical issues of polysynthetic languages.

Format: Hardback
Length: 720 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This comprehensive volume delves into the intricate theoretical and analytical challenges that languages with complex morphologies present for the study of word-level prosodic phenomena. The remarkable morphological complexity and phonological length of words in these languages render them an ideal platform for exploring the interplay between phonological and morphological factors in the assignment of prominence. The first three chapters of the volume delve into fundamental theoretical considerations related to word prominence in synthetic languages, encompassing topics such as wordhood and the complexities involved in delineating word-level prominence and the higher-level prosodic phenomena in these languages. These chapters are followed by a series of in-depth case studies that examine stress, accent, and tone in a diverse array of languages with highly synthetic morphologies, spanning languages from the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The volume adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing upon insights from phonetics, phonology, and morphosyntax to provide a holistic understanding of these languages. Its content will appeal to a wide range of scholars, including phonologists, morphologists, and those interested in the typological and theoretical aspects of polysynthetic languages.

Weight: 1210g
Dimension: 240 x 165 x 45 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198840589