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ROA:115
Title:The prosodic structure of Burmese: a constraint-based approach
Authors:Antony D. Green
Comment:Superseded by ROA-551
Length:29
Abstract: In this paper I shall explain the structure of the syllable,

foot, and prosodic word in Burmese, using a constraint-based

framework following Optimality Theory. In particular, I shall

propose a family of constraints called UNARITY, which states that

a prosodic category (PrWd, Ft, s) is permitted to contain no more

than one of the next lower prosodic category (Ft, s, m, respectively).

This constraint is responsible for several types of idiosyncratic

prosodic behavior seen in Burmese: the difference between and

distribution of major (heavy) and minor (light) syllables; the fact

that a foot (obligatorily bimoraic in Burmese as elsewhere) can be

only a single heavy syllable; the resulting lack of [L L] feet, and

the difference between so-called "reducing" compounds (in which a

member is reduced from a major syllable to a minor syllable) and

"nonreducing" compounds (in which no such reduction takes place).
Type:Paper/tech report
Area/Keywords:
Article:This article has been withdrawn.