Insertion and Deletion in English: A Phonological Approach

Abstract

Optimality theory has spent the past three decades attempting to construct a new framework for phonological considerations. Even if it has not been able to propose a ‘perfect’ theory that fits most data and makes accurate predictions, it has still steered conceptual understandings of phonology and has provided fodder for intense theoretical debate. Essentially, OT has proposed that the underlying representations of sounds/words are input, that are then processed and evaluated until an ideal surface form is found and pushed out (as output). The mode through which these evaluations occur is “constraint-based analysis”. Throughout the process, OT offers an informative display alongside the surface realization form. OT came into discussion as a descriptive-analytical model. This paper attempts to show the basic procedures of how OT works, especially in case of insertion and deletion, and how OT provides an ideal surface form considering the competing candidates who have also the possibilities to surface. This paper also emphasizes that OT is not here to take the place of SPE. However, it has the potential to act as an advanced process in phonological analysis. This paper looks at the bigger picture which will allow readers to understand that OT does not just provide the surface form but quench our thirst to know why and why other competing candidates do not deserve to be surfaced. This research paper will help to understand that even with the limitations, OT offers more information about the phonological process and this framework is very much open for further development. OT is a bigger field to work on. This paper will be a resource to the interested who wants to take OT to the next level working on its limitations.