Aspects of underspecification theory
- 1 August 1988
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Phonology
- Vol. 5 (2) , 183-207
- https://doi.org/10.1017/s0952675700002268
Abstract
An evaluation metric in Universal Grammar provides a means of selecting between possible grammars for a particular language. The evaluation metric as conceived in Chomsky & Halle (1968; henceforthSPE) prefers the grammar in which only the idiosyncratic properties are lexically listed and predictable properties are derived. The essence of underspecification theory is to supply such predictable distinctive features or feature specifications by rule. Viewed in this way, the general idea of underspecification has always been a part of any theory of phonology that includes such an evaluation metric.Keywords
This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:
- A theory of phonological weightPublished by Walter de Gruyter GmbH ,1985