Date Available

5-3-2014

Year of Publication

2014

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Linguistic Theory and Typology (MALTT)

Document Type

Master's Thesis

College

Arts and Sciences

Department/School/Program

Linguistic Theory & Typology

First Advisor

Dr. Gregory Stump

Second Advisor

Dr. Andrew Hippisley

Abstract

In Paradigm Function Morphology, it is usual to model affix position classes with an ordered sequence of inflectional rule blocks. Each rule block determines how (or whether) a particular affix position is filled. In this model, competition among inflectional rules is assumed to be limited to members of the same rule block; thus, the appearance of an affix in one position cannot be precluded by the appearance of an affix in another position. I present evidence that apparently disconfirms this restriction and suggests that a more general conception of rule competition is necessary. The data appear to imply that an affixation rule may in some cases override a rule introducing an affix occupying another, distinct position. I propose that each inflectional rule R carry two indices — the first, as usual, specifying the position of the affix introduced by R. The second, however, specifies the position(s) that R satisfies. By default, these two indices identify the same position. However, where one affix precludes another, the second index of the appearing affix specifies two affix positions: the one in which it appears and the one which it precludes. With both blocks satisfied, no other rules which fill either may be applied.

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