| ROA: | 1231 |
|---|---|
| Title: | The Midpoint Pathology: What it is and what it isn't |
| Authors: | Brett Hyde |
| Comment: | |
| Length: | 42 pages |
| Abstract: | Kager (2012) identifies an important class of accent patterns created under the influence of two accent windows acting from opposite edges of a form. Unfortunately, he mistakenly characterizes the patterns in this class as examples of the Midpoint Pathology (Eisner 1997; Hyde 2008, 2012). While the characterization is incorrect, examining the differences between actual Midpoint Pathology patterns and Kager's patterns helps to give us a fuller understanding of both types. In this paper, I first examine the essential characteristics of the Midpoint Pathology and the reasons that it emerges under Generalized Alignment (McCarthy and Prince 1993). I then address the ability of Relation-Specific Alignment (Hyde 2008, 2012a) to eliminate Midpoint Pathology effects. Finally, I turn to the role that Relation-Specific Alignment plays in a general account of accent windows, and I address the predictions that Kager mistakenly cites as Midpoint Pathology effects. While the particular patterns that Kager identifies are not themselves attested at this point, very similar patterns in the same class are attested, and Relation-Specific Alignment plays a crucial role in accounting for these patterns. |
| Type: | Paper/tech report |
| Area/Keywords: | Alignment, Phonology, Accent |
| Article: | Version 1 |