The basic principles of optimality theory are introduced and explained (GEN, CON, and EVAL) . Three important constraint families are explored (Faithfulness, Alignment, and Markedness). Illustrations are provided involving syllabifi- cation and vowel harmony in Tibetan and prosodic phonotactics in Tonkawa.
What is optimality theory in syntax?
Building grammars entirely upon these elements, Optimality Theory syntax provides a theory of universal grammar with a formally precise and strongly restricted theory of universal typology : cross-linguistic variation arises exclusively from the conflict among universal principles.
What are the principles of optimality theory?
The basic principles of optimality theory are introduced and explained (GEN, CON, and EVAL) . Three important constraint families are explored (Faithfulness, Alignment, and Markedness). Illustrations are provided involving syllabifi- cation and vowel harmony in Tibetan and prosodic phonotactics in Tonkawa.
How does a child acquire a language through optimality theory?
The basic idea behind an Optimality Theoretic approach to child language acquisition is that children begin with one constraint ranking and adjust the hierarchy as they develop , resulting in what should be an adult grammar. Optimality Theory also ties in well with the idea of Universal Grammar.
What is eval in optimality theory?
EVAL: the function that selects the optimal candidate(s) from the candidate set , based on the ranking of constraints.
How does optimality theory work?
Optimality Theory predicts that there cannot be more grammars than there are permutations of the ranking of Con . The number of possible rankings is equal to the factorial of the total number of constraints, thus giving rise to the term factorial typology.
What is optimality condition?
The optimality conditions are derived by assuming that we are at an optimum point, and then studying the behavior of the functions and their derivatives at that point . The conditions that must be satisfied at the optimum point are called necessary.
What is phonological theory?
Natural phonology explains why children tend to simplify speech . ... Contemporary theories of phonology include optimality theory, nonlinear phonology, and representation-based accounts of children’s speech. Each of these offers alternative explanations as well as descriptions of speech acquisition and SSD in children.
How do you explain phonology?
Phonology is typically defined as “ the study of speech sounds of a language or languages , and the laws governing them,” 1 particularly the laws governing the composition and combination of speech sounds in language.
What does optimality mean?
(ŏp′tə-məl) adj. Most favorable or desirable ; optimum. op′ti·mal·ly adv.
What is optimality theory in ecology?
Optimality theory is based upon the principles of evolutionary ecology as developed by ecologists and modified by evolutionary anthropologists . It regards culture change as the output of individual organisms seeking to maximize the net rate of energy capture so as to enhance their reproductive fitness.
What is a constraint in linguistics?
The notion of constraints is generally used in modern linguistics (in particular in syntax and phonology) for representing properties that an object must satisfy (see [4], [15]). ... In all cases, the idea consists of stipulating properties ruling out structures which don’t belong to the language.
What does marked mean in linguistics?
In linguistics and social sciences, markedness is the state of standing out as nontypical or divergent in comparison to a regular or more common form . In a marked–unmarked relation, one term of an opposition is the broader, dominant one.
What is optimality in algorithm?
In computer science, an algorithm is said to be asymptotically optimal if, roughly speaking, for large inputs it performs at worst a constant factor (independent of the input size) worse than the best possible algorithm .
What is the principle of optimality?
The principle of optimality is the basic principle of dynamic programming, which was developed by Richard Bellman: that an optimal path has the property that whatever the initial conditions and control variables (choices) over some initial period, the control (or decision variables) chosen over the remaining period ...
What is theory of optimality in DAA?
Principle of Optimality. Definition: A problem is said to satisfy the Principle of Optimality if the subsolutions of an optimal solution of the problem are themesleves optimal solutions for their subproblems . Examples: The shortest path problem satisfies the Principle of Optimality.
