Bakovic and Mai (2020) Cumulative constraint interaction and the equalizer of HG and OT

ROA: 1366
Title: Cumulative constraint interaction and the equalizer of HG and OT
Authors: Eric Bakovic, Anna Mai
Comment: To appear in Supplementary Proceedings of AMP 2019
Length: 12
Abstract: In this paper we demonstrate that, in general, Optimality Theory (OT) grammars containing particular, identifiable members of a restricted family of conjoined constraints (Smolensky, 2006) make the same typological predictions as corresponding Harmonic Grammar (HG) grammars. Building on an example case, we propose a general method for identifying the members of this restricted family of conjoined constraints in the equalizer of HG and OT, and provide a proof of its intended function. This demonstration adds more structure to claims about the (non)equivalence of HG and OT with local conjunction (Legendre et al., 2006; Pater, 2016) and provides a tool for understanding how different sets of constraints lead to the same typological predictions in HG and OT (Pater, 2016; Jesney, 2016).
Type: Paper/tech report
Area/Keywords: Harmonic Grammar, ganging cumulativity, conjoined constraints, formal analysis