Abu-Mansour (2017): The Role of the OCP and Syllable Structure in Arabic Hypocoristics

Direct link: http://roa.rutgers.edu/content/article/files/1707_abumansour_1.pdf

ROA: 1329
Title: The Role of the OCP and Syllable Structure in Arabic Hypocoristics
Authors: Mahasen Abu-Mansour
Comment:
Length: 36 pages
Abstract: This paper provides further insights into the role of the lexical versus output root in the phonology of Arabic. Data from Makkan Arabic hypocoristic formation show that native speakers have access to the lexical or underlying root consonants even when they are absent from the actual name. The present Optimality-Theoretic analysis shows that there is only one native pattern of hypocoristic formation in Makkan Arabic with two manifestations, C1aC2C2uuC3 and C1aC2C2u. Syllable structure constraints and the OCP account for the apparent differences between these two forms, as well as for the failure of names related to glide-medial and glide-final roots to form C1aC2C2uuC3 hypocoristics. Names related to glide-final roots form C1aC2C2u hypocoristics where the deletion of the final glide avoids violation of syllable structure constraints. The findings in this paper call for further research on the issue of output vs. lexical root in Arabic hypocoristic formation.
Type: Paper/tech report
Area/Keywords: Phonology, OCP, syllable structure, hypocoristic formation (OT Analysis), Arabic, lexical vs. output root