"What is Optimality Theory?" by John J McCarthy

Selected Works of John J. McCarthy

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Article

What is Optimality Theory?

Language and Linguistics Compass (2007)

John J McCarthy, university of massachusetts, Amherst

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Abstract

Optimality Theory is a general model of how grammars are structured. This article surveys the motivations for OT, its core principles, and the basics of analysis. It also addresses some frequently asked questions about this theory and offers suggestions for further reading.

Disciplines

Morphology,
Near Eastern Languages and Societies and
Phonetics and Phonology

Publication Date

2007

Citation Information

John J McCarthy. "What is Optimality Theory?" Language and Linguistics Compass Vol. 1 (2007)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/john_j_mccarthy/29/