Re: THEORY: phonemes and Optimality Theory tutorial

Carlos Thompson wrote:

> > FWIW, I would analyse the above system along the following lines:
> > * Primitives of segmental content are A, I, U.
> > * E and O are made by simultaneous A+I and A+U.
> > * The ability of A to combine with I/U is a property only of
> >   stressed syllables. ["Tier separation"]
>
>Well, as a non-linguist I could analize this as
>   * Primitives: /a/, /e/, /i/, /o/, /u/
>   * In unstressed syllables there are neutralization and /i/ and /e/
>will both be realized as [i] and /o/ and /u/ as [u].  Wouldn't this be
>a correct approximation.
As a linguist but non-phonologist, I would tend towards your analysis as
well. I find it more intuitive and realistic than saying E and O come from
A+I and A+U. And's proposal is certainly possible, but I see no reason for
such a reductionist approach.


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Marcus Smith
AIM:  Anaakoot
"When you lose a language, it's like
dropping a bomb on a museum."
   -- Kenneth Hale
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