Finite-state Optimality Theory: non-rationality of Harmonic Serialism

Authors

  • Yiding Hao Yale University

Keywords:

optimality theory, harmonic serialism, phonology, finite-state, tier-based strictly local, subregular

Abstract

This paper analyzes the language-theoretic complexity of Harmonic Serialism (HS), a derivational variant of Optimality Theory. I show that HS can generate non-rational relations using strictly local markedness constraints, proving the “result” of Hao (2017), that HS is rational under those assumptions, to be incorrect. This is possible because deletions performed in a particular order have the ability to enforce nesting dependencies over long distances. I argue that coordinated deletions form a canonical characterization of non-rational relations definable in HS.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15398/jlm.v7i2.210

Full article

Published

2019-09-16

How to Cite

Hao, Y. (2019). Finite-state Optimality Theory: non-rationality of Harmonic Serialism. Journal of Language Modelling, 7(2), 49–99. https://doi.org/10.15398/jlm.v7i2.210