| In this dissertation, I investigate the demarcative function in phonology, which is to be subsumed under the phonology-morphology interface. I focus on the phonological processes whose function is to highlight morphological constituency by demarcating the edges of morphological units. The framework I employ is that of Optimality Theory. I propose a family of constraints whose function is Edge-Demarcation and investigate their interactions with other OT constraints.; One of the central concerns in the dissertation is how Edge-Demarcation is implemented in phonology; that is, what phonological processes are employed to serve this function. I propose three constraints which belong to the family of Edge-Demarcation: (i) EDGE-HIGHLIGHT requires that the edges of a morphological unit are prominent, as evidenced by stress patterns in Auca, Cahuilla, Diyari, and Asheninca. (ii) E DGE-INTEGRITY, a faithfulness constraint on the edgemost segments, demands that the edgemost segment of a morphological unit invariantly appear in the edgemost positions. Patterns of epenthesis in Yimas, Karam, and Southeastern Pomo provide empirical support. (iii) EDGE-S ALIENCE, a markedness constraint, requires that edges license certain features. The distribution of features in Ngalakan, Bengali, and clicks in Ju|'hoansi are analyzed.; The further issue I address is that of the symmetry and asymmetry between the edges of a morphological unit with regard to Edge-Demarcation, that is, whether any one edge is inherently stronger. I show, based on empirical evidence, that Edge Demarcation is symmetrical, contra recent proposals of left-edge prominence. That is, (i) either the left or right edge can impose asymmetrically stronger requirements, and (ii) both can impose equally strong requirements simultaneously. Empirical evidence for the symmetrical role of edges in the demarcative function is shown to come from all three types of constraints. Moreover, the lengthy case study on Korean which demonstrates the effects of Edge-Demarcation on syllable structure, brings to relief the crucial role of the right edge of a morphological unit in Edge-Demarcation.; Thus I show that Edge-Demarcation is achieved through all three types of constraints, and through their mutual interaction, as well as interactions with other constraints in OT, which shows that constraints conspire to achieve Edge-Demarcation in phonology. |
