I need information on the Optimality Theory and how I can use it as a framework for my research on the phonological features of Swazi English. Can anyone recommend sites/ sources where I can get information on OT.
Optimality theory is a linguistic model. As it has its root in neural network research, it also referred by a few as a connectionist theory. There are three basic components of the theory. GEN generates the list of possible outputs, or candidates, CON provides the criteria and the constraints used to choose among candidates, and EVAL chooses the optimal candidate. This theory assumes that these components are universal.
It is not certain whether patterns predicted by this theory occur in natural languages. I guess computing an infinite number of possible candidates would take a long time to process. Majority of researchers consider this theory to be purely representational. So, its mostly considered to be a model of linguistic competence and its not intended for explain the specifics of Linguistic performance.
Hope this info helps....Best wishes
Maëlys Salingre and Priyadharshini, Thank you for the information.
Optimality Theory is a general linguistic model that explains how grammars are structured. You can use it as a theoretical framework for your study by discussing its basic principles/components and apply them to your work. Here are suggested texts you can consult: Optimality Theory in Phonology (by Maria Gouskova - 2009) in The Oxford Handbook of Linguistic Analysis, What is Optimality Theory? by John McCarthy (2007), and a host of other material that you can lay hand on. I wish you the best!
The optimal unit of phonological system is a separated sound when it is meaningful and able to form a meaningful semantic unit in combination with other well organized sounds. Of course the sound quantity changes causes grammatical categorization. Please read my papers about that subject, i hope that they would be useful for you, especially PHONO-GRAMMAR.
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