Doing Optimality Theory (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: justifying constraints, rank constraints, duplication problem, Developing New Constraints, Underlying Surface, Timugon Murut (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Built on deep experience in research and teaching, and drawing expertly on recent advances in handling the theory, McCarthy's volume conducts the reader closer than any previous text to the heart of the Optimality Theoretic enterprise. Lucidly grounded in the nuts-and-bolts of analytic technique, the book includes numerous exercises and questions that will stimulate, inspire, and provoke. Along the way the reader will encounter many sharp observations about matters ranging from theory-construction to writing up research results; these alone are worth the price of entry." Alan Prince, Rutgers University

“This book not only fills a major gap in the books on OT for beginners, but also offers wise advice for more experienced researchers.” Moira Yip, University College London

"There are many introductions to OT as a theory, but none with hands-on training on the nitty-gritty details of how to actually do OT research. McCarthy's book, brimming with thought-provoking questions and problem sets, provides the guidance needed." Junko Ito, University of California Santa Cruz

Product Description

Doing Optimality Theory brings together examples and practical, detailed advice for undergraduates and graduate students working in linguistics. Given that the basic premises of Optimality Theory are markedly different from other linguistic theories, this book presents the analytic techniques and new ways of thinking and theorizing that are required.

• Explains how to do analysis and research using Optimality Theory (OT) - a branch of phonology that has revolutionized the field since its conception in 1993


• Offers practical, in-depth advice for students and researchers in the field, presented in an engaging way


• Features numerous examples, questions, and exercises throughout, all helping to illustrate the theory and summarize the core concepts of OT


• Written by John J. McCarthy, one of the theory’s leading proponents and an instrumental figure in the dissemination and use of OT today


• An ideal guide through the intricacies of linguistic analysis and research for beginning researchers, and, by example, one which will lead the way to future developments in the field.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell (May 27, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1405151366
• ISBN-13: 978-1405151368
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #372,663 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)