The linguistic model Optimality Theory was for the first time proposed by the linguist Alan Prince (Rutgers University, New Jersey) in cooperation with his colleague Paul Smolensky (John Hopkins University, Baltimore) in the year 1993. This representational model has – since then – been constantly expanded for instance owing to the work of John J. McCarthy (University of Massachusetts Amherst) and other scholars such as René Kager in the Netherlands or Caroline Féry in Germany. The studies conducted in this term paper are primarily based upon the work of the aforementioned scholars with a particular focus on the examinations by the three ‘fathers’ of Optimality Theory, viz. Prince, Smolensky and McCarthy. Another fact revealing that this model is a current and productive one – i.e. beside the spreading and development of Optimality Theory all over the linguistic world – is its applicability to different subfields of linguistics, namely phonology, syntax and morphology. With reference to its wide use, it should be said that this term paper predominantly examines the phonological applicability of this linguistic model. The theory itself borrows fundamental aspects from Generative Grammar such as the role of Universal Principles in language, which will be pointed out as one of the most important pillars of Optimality Theory in the course of this paper. In addition to explaining the fundamental principles and processes in Optimality Theory such as the roles of constraints and various other functions as for example GEN or EVAL in a general introduction (chapter 2), I will also report on two case-studies (chapter 3): one on Tagalog prefix infixation already examined by Prince and Smolensky and one on German Final Devoicing worked upon by Féry. The examination of these particular case-studies shall prove that Optimality Theory is helpful when it comes to scrutinizing certain grammatical phenomena either in well-known languages such as German or less known and used languages such as Tagalog, an Austronesian language spoken in the Philippines. Finally, I want to point out the advantages and disadvantages of this linguistic model by focussing on the set of the following questions: why do scholars employ the strategies of Optimality Theory and how do these strategies support linguists in coming to their respective results? What actually is Optimality Theory good for and in which respect does it prove inadequate for studying languages and grammatical systems?
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. General Principles of Optimality Theory
- 3. Case-Studies
- 3.1. Tagalog Prefix Infixation
- 3.2. German Final Devoicing
- 4. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This term paper aims to provide an introduction to Optimality Theory (OT), a linguistic model proposed by Prince and Smolensky. It explores the core principles of OT, focusing on the concepts of universal constraints and constraint ranking. The paper then illustrates the application of OT through case studies of Tagalog prefix infixation and German final devoicing. Finally, it evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of OT as a linguistic model.
- Introduction to Optimality Theory
- Universal Constraints in OT
- Constraint Ranking and Language Variation
- Case Studies illustrating OT
- Evaluation of OT's Strengths and Weaknesses
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter presents Optimality Theory (OT) as a linguistic model first proposed in 1993 by Prince and Smolensky. It highlights the model's ongoing development and expansion through the contributions of scholars like McCarthy, Kager, and Féry. The chapter emphasizes OT's applicability across various linguistic subfields, primarily focusing on its phonological applications in this paper. It establishes a connection to Generative Grammar, emphasizing the role of universal principles. The introduction outlines the paper's structure, which includes a general introduction to OT's principles and two case studies – one on Tagalog prefix infixation and another on German final devoicing – to demonstrate OT's practical application in analyzing diverse linguistic phenomena.
2. General Principles of Optimality Theory: This chapter delves into the fundamental concepts of OT, starting with the interconnected key concepts that form its basis. To avoid confusion, the chapter primarily relies on the descriptions given by the model's originators. A key concept is the Principle of Universality, which posits that constraints – the core of the constraint-based theory – are universal and present in every grammar. The chapter addresses the apparent paradox of universal constraints leading to language variation by introducing the idea of constraint ranking or domination hierarchy: the importance of a constraint can vary across languages, explaining grammatical differences. The chapter uses Kager's comparison of English and Dutch words ([bɛt] and [bɛd]) and the constraints IDENT-IO (voice) and *VOICED-CODA to illustrate how differing constraint rankings account for variations in voicing. The chapter concludes by providing a more detailed explanation of the term "constraint" to facilitate a clearer understanding of OT's mechanisms.
Keywords
Optimality Theory, phonology, morphology, syntax, constraints, constraint ranking, universal grammar, Generative Grammar, Tagalog, German, case studies, linguistic model.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of a term paper on Optimality Theory (OT), a linguistic model. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The information is presented as a preview, summarizing the main content and arguments of the full paper.
What is Optimality Theory (OT)?
Optimality Theory is a linguistic model, originally proposed by Prince and Smolensky, that explains language variation and grammar through a system of universal constraints and their ranking. This model posits that all languages share the same set of constraints, but the ranking of these constraints differs, resulting in diverse grammatical structures.
What are the key themes explored in this paper?
The paper explores the core principles of Optimality Theory, including the concepts of universal constraints and constraint ranking. It demonstrates the application of OT through case studies focusing on Tagalog prefix infixation and German final devoicing. The paper also evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of OT as a linguistic model in relation to other models such as Generative Grammar.
What are the main chapters covered?
The paper is structured into four chapters: an introduction to Optimality Theory; a detailed explanation of the general principles of OT, including universal constraints and constraint ranking; two case studies illustrating the practical application of OT (Tagalog prefix infixation and German final devoicing); and a conclusion summarizing the findings and evaluating OT.
What case studies are included?
The paper includes detailed case studies of Tagalog prefix infixation and German final devoicing. These case studies serve to illustrate how Optimality Theory can be used to analyze and explain specific linguistic phenomena across different languages.
How does OT explain language variation?
According to OT, language variation arises not from differences in the constraints themselves (which are considered universal), but from differences in the ranking of those constraints. A higher-ranked constraint will take precedence, influencing the grammatical structure of a language.
What is the relationship between OT and Generative Grammar?
The paper connects Optimality Theory to Generative Grammar, highlighting the role of universal principles in both frameworks. While the approaches differ in their mechanisms, both acknowledge the importance of universal grammatical structures.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Optimality Theory discussed in the paper?
The paper evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of OT as a linguistic model. While the exact arguments are not detailed in the preview, the inclusion of this evaluation suggests a critical assessment of OT's explanatory power and limitations.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Optimality Theory, phonology, morphology, syntax, constraints, constraint ranking, universal grammar, Generative Grammar, Tagalog, German, case studies, and linguistic model.
- Citation du texte
- Patrick Schmitz (Auteur), 2009, Optimality Theory - An Introduction, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/190617
