Scrinium Classical Antiquity

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  • Optimality Theory: Volume 0, Part 0. Cambridge University Press, 1999. 466p. Paperback. Series: Cambridge Textbooks in Linguistics. This is an introduction to Optimality Theory, whose central idea is that surface forms of language reflect resolutions of conflicts between competing constraints. A surface form is 'optimal' if it incurs the least serious violations of a set of constraints, taking into account their hierarchical ranking. Languages differ in the ranking of constraints; and any violations must be minimal. The book does not limit its empirical scope to phonological phenomena, but also contains chapters on the learnability of OT grammars; OT's implications for syntax; and other issues such as opacity. It also reviews in detail a selection of the considerable research output which OT has already produced. Exercises accompany chapters 1-7, and there are sections on further reading. Optimality Theory will be welcomed by any linguist with a basic knowledge of derivational Generative Phonology. (Publisher's information). € 52.18 (New) (Printed on Demand)  (approx. delivery time: 4 weeks) ISBN: 9780521589802