This volume is a collection of original contributions to the study of
lexical allomorphy, with a focus on Optimality Theory's distinctive take
on this topic. The chapters provide an up-to-date perspective on the
advances in our understanding of allomorphy which Optimality Theory has
been able to secure (in comparison with rule-based Generative
Phonology). They also consider a number of important allomorphy
questions which Optimality Theory has helped raise and address (e.g. the
nature of inputs, the role of paradigms, the interaction of phonology
with other modules of grammar, lexical storage vs computation, degrees
of phonological (ir)regularity, subcategorization vs markedness).
The contributors form an international array of linguists from North
America and Europe. A broad variety of languages serve as the empirical
base for the volume, either in detailed case studies (e.g. Burushaski,
Catalan, English, French, Italian, Moroccan Arabic, Sahaptin) or in
encompassing typological surveys.
The volume is aimed at professional linguists with an interest in
phonology, morphology, and the lexicon. With its broad coverage of
allomorphy issues, the book's content will also lend itself to courses
in phonology and morphology for advanced undergraduates and graduate
students.
