CV reduplication in Isbukun Bunun

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a novel generalization of the reduplicant (henceforth red) placement in CV reduplication in Isbukun Bunun. It is shown that the variable red placements cannot be explained in terms of the presence of a PF marker or merely by the syllable number of the root, as assumed in previous studies. Rather, the variable red placements are argued to be simultaneously governed by the size and the syllable well-formedness of the root. The red is normally prefixed to the root; however, if onsetless red is generated under normal copying, the placement of the red shifts one syllable rightward, except for shorter (bimoraic) roots. Thus, the variable placements of the red are driven by a universal tendency for the red to be unmarked and the need for the P-Root to sustain a minimal size.