Ambiguity and variable phonological rules: The challenge of TD Deletion in US English

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract / Description of output

This study examines how the functionalist approach of ambiguity avoidance, as an explanation for variable application of TD Deletion in US English, can be extended to include effects of homophony avoidance. While previous research has examined the morphological conditioning of this rule across different word classes, the present study focuses on TD Deletion within monomorphemes. Using a small-scale corpus study, I examine how the presence of homophones after truncation influences the rate of TD Deletion for monomorphemes. The results indicate that deletion happens less often when it would have resulted in a form with a high number of homophones.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationConSOLE XXIX
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 29th Conference of the Student Organization of Linguistics in Europe
EditorsAnnie Holtz, Iva Kovač, Rasmus Puggaard-Rode, Joanna Wall
Place of PublicationLeiden
PublisherLeiden University Centre for Linguistics
Pages98-115
Number of pages18
Volume29
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Event29th Conference of the Student Organization of Linguistics in Europe - University of Leiden, Online
Duration: 26 Jan 202128 Jan 2021

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Conference of the Student Organization of Linguistics in Europe
PublisherLeiden University Centre for Linguistics
ISSN (Print)1574-499X
ISSN (Electronic)2588-8390

Conference

Conference29th Conference of the Student Organization of Linguistics in Europe
Abbreviated titleConSOLE XXIX
CityOnline
Period26/01/2128/01/21

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