An original and comprehensive approach to reduplication, with extensive examples and case studies in many languages.
A convincing account of reduplicative phenomena has been a longstanding problem for rule-based theories of morphophonology. Many scholars believe that derivational phonology is incapable in principle of analyzing reduplication. In Distributed Reduplication, John Frampton demonstrates the adequacy of rule-based theories by providing a general account within that framework and illustrating his proposal with extensive examples of widely varying reduplicatation schemes from many languages. His analysis is based on new proposals about the structure of autosegmental representations.Although Frampton offers many new ideas about the computations that are put to use in reduplicative phonology, some fairly radical, his intent is conservative: to provide evidence that the model of the phonological computation developed by Chomsky and Halle in 1968 is fundamentally correct–that surface forms are produced by the successive modification of underlying forms. Frampton’s theory accounts for the surface properties of reduplicative morphemes by operations that are distributed at various points in the morphophonology rather than by a single operation applied at a single point. Lexical insertion, prosodic adjustment, and copying can each make a contribution to the output at different points in the computation of surface form.Frampton discusses particular reduplicative processes in many languages as he develops his general theory. The final chapter provides an extensive sequence of detailed case studies. Appendixes offer additional material on the No Crossing Constraint, the autosegmental structure of reduplicative representations, linearization, and concatenative versus nonconcatenative morphology. This volume will play a major role in the main debate of current phonological research: what is the nature of the phonological computation?
Unravel the complexities of language with John Frampton's "Distributed Reduplication," a groundbreaking exploration into the fascinating world of reduplication in phonology. Published by The MIT Press in 2009 as part of the esteemed Linguistic Inquiry Monographs series (Volume 52), this illustrated paperback delves into a long-standing challenge for linguistic theories: providing a robust and convincing account of reduplicative phenomena. For years, scholars have grappled with analyzing reduplication within rule-based frameworks, with some even suggesting the inherent incapability of derivational phonology to tackle this intricate linguistic process. Frampton's "Distributed Reduplication" rises to this challenge, presenting a comprehensive and original approach that demonstrates the continued relevance and adequacy of rule-based theories. He masterfully constructs a general account within this framework, buttressing his proposal with a wealth of diverse examples of reduplication schemes drawn from languages across the globe. This isn't just theoretical musing; Frampton grounds his analysis in concrete data, showcasing the breadth and depth of reduplication's manifestations in human language. At the heart of Frampton's analysis lies a novel proposition regarding the structure of autosegmental representations. He doesn't shy away from introducing new ideas about the computational processes involved in reduplicative phonology, some of which are notably radical. However, his underlying intent remains fundamentally conservative. Frampton seeks to provide compelling evidence that the model of phonological computation put forth by Noam Chomsky and Morris Halle in their seminal work, "The Sound Pattern of English" (1968), remains fundamentally sound that surface forms are indeed derived through the successive modification of underlying forms. Frampton's theory posits that the surface properties of reduplicative morphemes arise from operations distributed across various points in the morphophonological process, rather than a single operation applied at a singular juncture. He argues that lexical insertion, prosodic adjustment, and copying each contribute to the final output at different stages in the computation of the surface form. This distributed approach allows for a more nuanced and accurate representation of the intricate interplay of factors that shape reduplicative patterns. Throughout the book, Frampton meticulously examines specific reduplicative processes in a diverse range of languages, illuminating his general theory with real-world applications. The culminating chapter features an extensive sequence of detailed case studies, providing in-depth analyses of specific languages and their unique reduplicative features. These case studies serve as a powerful demonstration of the explanatory power and practical applicability of Frampton's framework. Beyond the core theoretical arguments and case studies, "Distributed Reduplication" includes valuable appendices that further elaborate on key concepts. These appendices address topics such as the No Crossing Constraint, the autosegmental structure of reduplicative representations, linearization, and the crucial distinction between concatenative and nonconcatenative morphology. This supplementary material provides readers with a deeper understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of Frampton's analysis and its implications for broader issues in phonological theory. This book isn't just a contribution to the field; it's poised to ignite debate and shape the future direction of phonological research. "Distributed Reduplication" directly engages with the central question that drives current phonological inquiry: the fundamental nature of phonological computation. By offering a rigorous and compelling defense of rule-based approaches, Frampton challenges alternative frameworks and prompts a re-evaluation of the assumptions that underpin contemporary phonological theory. Weighing in at 340 grams and spanning 248 pages, this illustrated edition of "Distributed Reduplication" (ISBN-13: 9780262513531, ISBN-10: 0262513536) is an essential resource for linguists, phonologists, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the intricate workings of human language. Its detailed analyses, comprehensive coverage, and thought-provoking arguments make it a valuable addition to any academic library or personal collection. Dive into the complexities of reduplication and discover the power of rule-based phonology with John Frampton's groundbreaking work.
