A reanalysis of the great English vowel shift under contrast preservation theory

Abstract

Fulcrand, Julien. 2015. A reanalysis of the great English vowel shift under contrast preservation theory. Linguistic Research 32(3), 533-571. The goal of this paper is to present a reanalysis of the Great English Vowel Shift in terms of Contrast Preservation Theory (Lubowicz 2003, 2012). Chain shifts like the Great English Vowel Shift pose a challenge for constraint-based theories such as Optimality Theory because they are an instance of opacity. In a system with only two levels of representation, it is impossible to both forbid a sound and allow it to surface in the same contexts. The current paper proposes to evaluate the adequacy of Contrast Preservation Theory by applying it to diachronic data, specifically the Great English Vowel Shift. We will show how a model developed for synchronic data can be applied to diachronic sound change. In addition, we will claim that the application of modern linguistic theory to diachronic development can offer insights into how language change occurs. Finally, our analysis provides further support for Contrast Preservation Theory. (Universite Charles-de-Gaulle Lille 3)