The syllable in phonological analysis

Jerzy Rubach

This article gives an overview of the role that the syllable plays in phonological analysis. It explains how the syllable is used in the currently practised frameworks in phonology, contrasting Derivational Theory and Optimality Theory. Section 1 asks the question of why syllables are necessary in phonological analysis and demonstrates that syllable-based generalizations offer insights unavailable in linear non-autosegmental frameworks. Section 2.1 explains how syllabification is carried out. Assumed here is the X-skeletal onset-rhyme constituency. Section 2.2 addresses the role of constraints in syllabification. Both the current practice and the origin of constraints are examined. Ambisyllabification, resyllabification and boundary blocking effects are the focus of section 2.3. Section 2.4 looks at the problem of extra-syllabic consonants and explains strategies that languages use to resolve this problem. The subject of section 3 is syllable constituency. The X-skeletal onset-rhyme theory is contrasted with the moraic onset-mora theory and new arguments are offered for the superiority of the former over the latter. Optimality Theory is discussed in section 4. It is shown how it has developed from Derivational Theory. A comparison of Optimality Theory and Derivational Theory is made and novel evidence is examined that speaks in favour of Optimality Theory. Section 5 is a summary of the conclusions.

The syllable in phonological analysis

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