The role of the elements in diphthong formation and hiatus resolution: Evidence from Tokyo and Owari Japanese
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Connor Youngberg
Abstract
This chapter examines vowel sequences and hiatus resolution processes in Tokyo and Owari Japanese. I aim to account for the peculiar behaviour of the diphthongs /ai, oi, ui/ versus vowels in hiatus such as /ae/. The former display tonal restrictions and no segmental changes, and the latter exhibit gliding, epenthesis and surfacing of hiatus with no tonal restrictions. To account for the context sensitive nature of hiatus resolution, I invoke the role of the elements, building on previous work in Element Theory (Kaye, Lowenstamm & Vergnaud 1985, Backley 2011) and Government Phonology (Kaye, Lowenstamm & Vergnaud 1990, Yoshida S. 1996, Yoshida Y. 1999). I propose an inter-segmental relation called Intervocalic Government. I utilize this novel form of government in combination with the Empty Category Principle (ECP). From the point of view put forth in this paper, hiatus resolution processes aim to satisfy the ECP either through government or the realisation of a consonantal position. The proposal rejects the role of the Complexity Condition (Harris 1990) and incorporates the role of |A| as a structural configuration (Pochtrager 2006) in order to account for the fact that mid and low vowels cannot be the governee within a heavy diphthong.
Abstract
This chapter examines vowel sequences and hiatus resolution processes in Tokyo and Owari Japanese. I aim to account for the peculiar behaviour of the diphthongs /ai, oi, ui/ versus vowels in hiatus such as /ae/. The former display tonal restrictions and no segmental changes, and the latter exhibit gliding, epenthesis and surfacing of hiatus with no tonal restrictions. To account for the context sensitive nature of hiatus resolution, I invoke the role of the elements, building on previous work in Element Theory (Kaye, Lowenstamm & Vergnaud 1985, Backley 2011) and Government Phonology (Kaye, Lowenstamm & Vergnaud 1990, Yoshida S. 1996, Yoshida Y. 1999). I propose an inter-segmental relation called Intervocalic Government. I utilize this novel form of government in combination with the Empty Category Principle (ECP). From the point of view put forth in this paper, hiatus resolution processes aim to satisfy the ECP either through government or the realisation of a consonantal position. The proposal rejects the role of the Complexity Condition (Harris 1990) and incorporates the role of |A| as a structural configuration (Pochtrager 2006) in order to account for the fact that mid and low vowels cannot be the governee within a heavy diphthong.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- Introduction 1
- Elements and structural head-dependency 9
- Contrastive hierarchies and phonological primes 33
- Privativity and ternary phonological behavior 65
- A guide to Radical CV Phonology, with special reference to tongue root and tongue body harmony 111
- English vowel structure and stress in GP 2.0 157
- Reanalysing ‘epenthetic’ consonants in nasal-consonant sequences: A lexical specification approach 185
- The role of the elements in diphthong formation and hiatus resolution: Evidence from Tokyo and Owari Japanese 207
- Elements of syntax. Repulsion and attraction 251
- General Index 275
- Language Index 279
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- Introduction 1
- Elements and structural head-dependency 9
- Contrastive hierarchies and phonological primes 33
- Privativity and ternary phonological behavior 65
- A guide to Radical CV Phonology, with special reference to tongue root and tongue body harmony 111
- English vowel structure and stress in GP 2.0 157
- Reanalysing ‘epenthetic’ consonants in nasal-consonant sequences: A lexical specification approach 185
- The role of the elements in diphthong formation and hiatus resolution: Evidence from Tokyo and Owari Japanese 207
- Elements of syntax. Repulsion and attraction 251
- General Index 275
- Language Index 279
