Optimality Theory (OT) in linguistics, developed by Alan Prince and Paul Smolensky, explains language form selection via conflict resolution between constraints. It categorizes constraints into markedness and faithfulness types, with language-specific rankings determining the optimal linguistic output. OT's applications span phonology, syntax, semantics, and language learning, offering insights into the systematic nature of language and linguistic competence.
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OT is a theoretical framework in linguistics that explains how languages select among competing forms
Founders of OT
OT was developed by Alan Prince and Paul Smolensky in the 1990s
Application of OT
OT has been applied to phonology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics
OT posits that linguistic outputs are the result of resolving conflicts between markedness and faithfulness constraints
Gen generates all possible candidates for an output based on a given input
Eval judges candidates against ranked constraints to select the most optimal one
The ranking of constraints determines the optimal output by minimizing violations
OT can predict preferred syllable structures and stress patterns in languages
OT offers a model for how linguistic competence emerges from the interplay of constraints
OT has been criticized for overgeneration and lack of explanatory power, leading to the development of alternative frameworks such as Constraint-Based Lexicalism and Exemplar Theory
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Founders of Optimality Theory
Alan Prince and Paul Smolensky developed OT in the 1990s.
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Applications of OT
OT is applied to phonology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.
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Types of OT Constraints
Markedness constraints favor simplicity; faithfulness constraints preserve input integrity.
