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- Title
Synchronic explanation.
- Authors
Lacy, Paul; Kingston, John
- Abstract
The aim of this article is to show that synchronic cognitive constraints are responsible for some restrictions on human speech sound patterns; not all markedness asymmetries can be ascribed to Performance-based mechanisms of diachronic change. We identify evidence for synchronic constraints in sound patterns that are desirable from a Performance perspective yet are not attested. We also discuss recent experiments that provide evidence for psychologically and even neurophysiologically active restrictions; these patterns can be distinguished from statistical generalizations across the lexicon. We also argue that there is evidence that language learning and adult well-formedness judgments are determined by innate predispositions. Finally, we examine the methodology behind choosing a synchronic or diachronic account for a particular sound pattern when both potentially offer an explanation.
- Subjects
SYNCHRONIC linguistics; EXPLANATION (Linguistics); COGNITIVE ability; SPEECH perception; PERFORMANCE evaluation; HISTORICAL linguistics; NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
- Publication
Natural Language & Linguistic Theory, 2013, Vol 31, Issue 2, p287
- ISSN
0167-806X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s11049-013-9191-y