Marshallese phonology, the phonetics-phonology interface and historical linguistics

Abstract

It is apparent from much recent work in Optimality Theory, as clearly indicated in Kager's (1999) survey, that the restructuring of the architecture of phonological theory has presented phonologists with the opportunity for a fundamental reconceptualization of many of the intriguing issues arising from the relationship between phonetics and phonology. This article surveys some recent OT work surrounding these issues in light of the data provided by the Marshallese vowel system, finding much of that work wanting in rigor and coherence.