Optimality Theory in Phonological Acquisition

This tutorial presents an introduction to the contemporary linguistic framework known as optimality theory (OT). The basic assumptions of this constraint-based theory as a general model of grammar are first outlined, with formal notation being defined and illustrated. Concepts unique to the theory, including “emergence of the unmarked,” are also described. OT is then examined more specifically within the context of phonological acquisition. The theory is applied in descriptions of children's common error patterns, observed inter- and intrachild variation, and productive change over time. The particular error patterns of fronting, stopping, final-consonant deletion, and cluster simplification are considered from an OT perspective. The discussion concludes with potential clinical applications and extensions of the theory to the diagnosis and treatment of children with functional phonological disorders.

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Understanding employee attitudes to change in longitudinal perspective

Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management An International Journal ◽

10.1108/qrom-01-2013-1127 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 38-60 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Stephen John Procter ◽

Julian Adrian Randall

Keyword(s):

Research Design ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Employee Attitudes ◽

First Episode ◽

Change Over Time ◽

Content Type ◽

The Third ◽

Basic Assumptions ◽

Over Time

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is twofold: to understand how and why employee attitudes to change might change over time; and to demonstrate what type of research might best capture this change. Design/methodology/approach – The paper brings together three studies of the same organization, conducted at different times by the same researchers. Findings – Employee attitudes to change in the three episodes are portrayed in terms of the assumptions that seem to underpin them. The first episode is characterized by a challenge to the basic assumptions employees have about their work; the second, by a fragmentation of assumptions according to sub-group; and the third, by the confirmation of a new set of assumptions about what work involves. Research limitations/implications – The paper concludes that fieldwork of a longitudinal nature is something quite rare, and its incorporation into research design needs to move beyond dealing with it through an uneasy combination of retrospection and extended organizational exposure. Originality/value – The paper provides a rare and valuable account of how employee attitudes to change might change over time. The research design on which it is based, though fortuitous in nature, overcomes a number of the weaknesses of more conventional studies in this area.

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Case Study

Language Speech and Hearing Services in Schools ◽

10.1044/0161-1461(2001/022) ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 32 (4) ◽

pp. 242-256 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Jessica A. Barlow

Keyword(s):

Optimality Theory ◽

True Nature ◽

Error Patterns ◽

Phonological Disorders ◽

Different Types ◽

Assessment And Treatment ◽

Single Child ◽

Cluster Reduction ◽

Marked Structure

Recently, the development of the constraint-based framework of optimality theory has been adopted and applied to the assessment and treatment of children with phonological disorders. This paper provides a demonstration of the application of optimality theory to the assessment and treatment of a single child with a phonological disorder. First, a tutorial of the theory is provided. Then, several prototypical error patterns evident in the child's productions are analyzed within the framework. These errors are accounted for by assuming that constraints against marked structure are ranked over constraints that require faithfulness to input forms within the child’s grammar. Following that, a demonstration of how optimality theory accounts for different types of variation in the child’s productions is provided. These different types of variation are revealing of the true nature of certain error patterns, particularly an apparent pattern of cluster reduction. Finally, the results of the analysis lead to suggestions for treatment that focus on the demotion of markedness constraints below faithfulness constraints.

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