On the Need for a Phonological Base

Abstract

Pre-Chomskyan linguistics recognized that the phonological systems of natural languages tend to form symmetrical patterns; this insight could be incorporated into generative phonology via a phonological base component, but is not adequately expressed by MS rules. A phonological base would also solve some difficulties in the theory of systematic phonetics. Current lack of interest in phonological patterning has resulted from the increased attention paid to morphophonemics; but the deep vs. surface distinction in phonology can be demonstrated on the basis of patterning even in languages lacking morphophonemic alternation. That distinction, it is argued, may be of only historical validity, whether or not alternations occur in the language.'