Hostname: page-component-76d6cb85b7-rxvq6 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-07-15T01:18:33.875Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Aspects of underspecification theory*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 October 2008

Diana Archangeli
Affiliation:
University of Arizona

Extract

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; henceforth SPE) 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.

Information

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1988

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable