#optimality theory

linguist 2: What about NoCoda and NoOnset?

linguist 1: Okay now we need constraints that restrict complex codas and onsets.

linguist 2: What about NoComplexOnset, NoComplexCoda, and NoComplex for when you need both?

linguist 1: Sure we're almost done, we just need constraints that restrict epenthesis and deletion.

linguist 2: What about Max and Dep?

linguist 1: What the fuck

Optimality Theory diagram (tableau) for foot/syllable metathesis in Naijá (also known as Nigerian Pidgin) used for the "unconventional negative" (UNC.NEG) form of nouns.

Examples of this and related processes (taken from an author's post on Mastodon):

Tone metathesis in documented varieties of Naijá [fádà] “father” [fàdá] “rev. father” [màmá] “mother” [mámà] “trendy old lady” (other meanings are possible)

Truncation in the Wafi variety [bâ:g] “bag” [â:g] “inferior bag” [stô:v] “stove” [tô:v] “cheap stove”

Syllable metathesis in the Wafi variety [pòló] “polo shirt” [lòpó] “inferior polo shirt” [àʃáwó] “sex worker” [àwóʃá] “cheap sex worker” [láptɔ̂:p] “laptop” [tóplâ:p] “cheap laptop”

From the article:

Today’s links are for second year phonology, a frequently-requested topic: 

1. Phonology with TrevTutor

YouTube video series

16 videos ranging from 6 to 15 minutes. Colorful handwritten slides with voiceover. Content includes basic terminology, detailed discussion of particular features, SPE rules, sonority, and feature geometry. Some videos walk through the process of phonological analysis. Closed captions are auto-generated and struggle sometimes with technical terms, though often the technical terms are displayed on the slides.

2. Phonology Micro-Lectures with The Virtual Linguistics Campus

YouTube video series

33 videos ranging from 1 to 2 minutes. Playlist order appears to be arbitrary. PowerPoint-style slides with voiceover. Some videos present fundamental concepts and phonological processes, while others focus on social/historical variation in phonology. Closed captions are auto-generated and struggle sometimes with technical terms.

3. Introduction to Optimality Theory with Nicholas Rolle

YouTube lecture

51 minute video-recorded lecture from UC Berkeley phonology course. Provides an introduction to the basic concepts and mechanics of Optimality Theory. Presentation is directed toward students in the classroom, though easy to follow as a viewer. While students’ questions can be difficult to hear, the recording is generally high-quality. Closed captions are auto-generated and struggle sometimes with technical terms.

erase the h (boring)

pronounce /h/ syllable-finally

pronounce /hran/ as one syllable

if you're dead set on pronouncing his name somewhat accurately, you have to choose between 2 and 3, neither of which feel very good under english phonotactics. but i find that i do #3, which would indicate (at least in my case) that the constraints against syllable-initial /hr/ are less highly ranked than those against syllable-final /h/