Conditions on Phonological Government [Hardcover]

This 1991 book represents a major development in the analysis of phonological processes.This 1991 book was the first extended study written within the framework of Government Phonology. Following the presentation of the main aspects of this theory, the process of vowel-zero alternations is addressed and analysed together with the idea that phonological processes are determined by principles of Universal Grammar along with parameters that distinguish languages.This 1991 book was the first extended study written within the framework of Government Phonology. Following the presentation of the main aspects of this theory, the process of vowel-zero alternations is addressed and analysed together with the idea that phonological processes are determined by principles of Universal Grammar along with parameters that distinguish languages.This is the first extended study written within the framework of phonological government. Following the presentation of main aspects of this theory, the process of vowel-zero alternations is addressed and analyzed together with the idea that phonological processes are determined by principles of Universal Grammar along with parameters that distinguish languages. Vowel-zero alternations are investigated in terms of proper government of empty nuclei, which receive no phonetic interpretation when properly governed. Dr. Charette also considers the constraints on proper government, and argues for their derivation resulting from conflict among different grammatical parameters.Preface; Introduction; 1. A theory of government in phonology; 2. The 'e-muet' in French; 3. Earlier treatments of schwa; 4. An analysis of schwa in terms of government; 5. Licence to govern; 6. Word-final empty nuclei; 7. Compounds and phrases; 8. The alternation between schwa/zero and [e]; 9. Miscellaneous issues; Conclusion; Notes; References; Index.