Abstract
Abstract Optimality Theory (OT—Prince and Smolensky (P&S) 1993, McCarthy and Prince (M&P) 1993a) is an approach to grammar, most notably phonology, based on the parallel evaluation of possible output forms with regard to a ranked system of violable constraints. This chapter aims to provide a brief working introduction to some of the leading current ideas and applications of phonological OT. Concepts and techniques are emphasized, rather than results or detailed argumentation. The structure of the article is as follows. Section 1 presents an overview of the essential architecture of OT. Section 2 introduces and classifies, for expository purposes, some of the major types of constraint commonly found in OT analyses. The following four sections delve further into constraints of each type, based upon this classification scheme: markedness, alignment, constituency and correspondence. Lastly, section 7 surveys some more advanced applications drawing on much of the earlier discussion, and poses some challenges for the future development of the theory.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
