Optimality account of the decomposition of fricatives

Sang Cheol Ahn,Kyunney Egorova

doi:10.1051/shsconf/202213400072

Abstract

This paper analyzes various cases of consonantal decomposition in interlanguage mapping within the framework of Optimality Theory. During the analyses, we argue that the preservation of the (major) place property takes the most crucial role in the segmental decomposition in interlanguage mapping. As for the Japanese adaptation of /f/ which is adapted as <h> (orthographically at least) lacking labiality, we posit this Japanese fricative as /ɸ/ [1] preserving the labiality and show the inviolability of the constraint Max-Place. Then we compare the indirect adaptation of the English /f/, i.e., via Anglo-Japanese /ɸ/, with the direct loan adaptation in Korean. In the indirect (old) adaptation, the labial fricative /ɸ/ is decomposed as the fricative /h/ and the labial vowel /u/ (or /w/) (e.g., /ɸɯri:/フリ → /huri/ ‘free’ 후리), while the direct (new) loan pattern shows the /f/ → /ph/ mapping (e.g., /phɨri/ ‘free’ 프리). Here we observe not only the inviolability of Max-Place but also the demotion of Ident[cont] at the level of direct loan adaptation. We thus claim that our current analysis supports the Stratal OT [2], regarding the levels of adaptation. As for the inviolability of Max-Place, we also discuss how the Russian /f/ is decomposed in the loan adaptation in Yakut (e.g., Fjodor → /syøder/ ‘male name’)

Highlights

Loan adaptation often triggers phonemic mapping as the recipient and target language may differ in phonemic inventories
We will show that the preservation of the place property takes the most crucial role in the segmental decomposition in interlanguage mapping, while other properties such as [cont] may not be preserved
A typical case of consonantal decomposition and merger can be found in the interlanguage mapping of fricatives/affricates in many languages

Summary

Introduction

Loan adaptation often triggers phonemic mapping as the recipient and target language may differ in phonemic inventories. The French /ʒ/ was adapted as /z/+/j/ in the beginning but became a new phoneme later in English To this end, we will employ the framework of Optimality Theory (McCarthy & Prince 1995, McCarthy 2008) and show how the decomposition can be better explained in this framework, based on constraint ranking and interaction. The output forms of the indirect loans and those of direct loans are often quite different, Max-Place is still inviolable. For this difference, we will compare the indirect and direct adaptation patterns of the English /f/ within the framework of Optimality Theory and see if the current OT framework is suitable for the explanation on the difference

Background

Conclusion