Abstractness and Motivation in Phonological Theory
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Eric Baković
Abstract
In this piece I adopt the standard textbook definition of abstractness in generative phonological theory, “the degree to which a UR [= underlying representation] of a morpheme may deviate from its associated PRs [= phonetic representations]” (Kenstowicz & Kisseberth 1979, p.179). I also adopt the perspective that a phonological analysis, independently of its degree of abstractness, is (only) as adequate as the motivation and evidence that can be produced in favor of it and against substantive alternatives. This is the focus of my remarks in this piece, featuring a thorough critique of the motivation and evidence for the abstract geminate rhotic representation of the intervocalic trill in Spanish (Harris 1969, 1983, 2001, 2002).
© 2015 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin/Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Front Matter
- Contents
- Research Articles
- Sibilant Voicing in Ecuadorian Spanish
- Deaccenting in Spontaneous Speech in Barcelona Spanish
- Nuclear Pitch Accents in Majorcan Catalan Declaratives: Phonology, Phonetics, Diachrony
- Book Reviews
- Romance Linguistics 2006: Selected Papers from the 36th Linguistic Symposium on Romance Languages (LSRL)
- Guide to the Phonetic Symbols of Spanish
- El español a través de la lingüística: Preguntas y respuestas
- State of the Discipline. Topic: Linguistic and Speech Technology
- Las tecnologías del habla en las lenguas románicas ibéricas
- Viewpoints. Topic: The Role of the Abstract in Linguistic
- Abstractness and Motivation in Phonological Theory
- Abstraction in Adult SLA
- The Role of Abstraction in Spanish Phonology: A Laboratory Perspective
- The Role of Abstraction in Syntax: From a Functionalist Perspective
- Abstractness and Generative Syntax
- Dissertation Notices
- A Usage-Based Account of Syllable- and Word-Final /s/ Reduction in Four Dialects of Spanish
- Performing Bilingualism: An Ethnographic Analysis of Discourse Practices at a Day Labor Center in the Southwest
Articles in the same Issue
- Front Matter
- Contents
- Research Articles
- Sibilant Voicing in Ecuadorian Spanish
- Deaccenting in Spontaneous Speech in Barcelona Spanish
- Nuclear Pitch Accents in Majorcan Catalan Declaratives: Phonology, Phonetics, Diachrony
- Book Reviews
- Romance Linguistics 2006: Selected Papers from the 36th Linguistic Symposium on Romance Languages (LSRL)
- Guide to the Phonetic Symbols of Spanish
- El español a través de la lingüística: Preguntas y respuestas
- State of the Discipline. Topic: Linguistic and Speech Technology
- Las tecnologías del habla en las lenguas románicas ibéricas
- Viewpoints. Topic: The Role of the Abstract in Linguistic
- Abstractness and Motivation in Phonological Theory
- Abstraction in Adult SLA
- The Role of Abstraction in Spanish Phonology: A Laboratory Perspective
- The Role of Abstraction in Syntax: From a Functionalist Perspective
- Abstractness and Generative Syntax
- Dissertation Notices
- A Usage-Based Account of Syllable- and Word-Final /s/ Reduction in Four Dialects of Spanish
- Performing Bilingualism: An Ethnographic Analysis of Discourse Practices at a Day Labor Center in the Southwest
