Proper name subcategory: a prominent position. (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jaber, Aziz; Omari, Osama
• Is Part Of: Language sciences. Volume 69(2018)
• Page Start: 113
• Page End: 124
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: Positional faithfulness -- Proper name -- Prominent positions -- Neutralization resistance -- Jordanian Arabic; Linguistics -- Periodicals; Language and languages -- Periodicals; Linguistique -- Périodiques; Langage et langues -- Périodiques; Language and languages; Linguistics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.langsci.2018.07.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0388-0001

Abstract

Abstract: Proponents of positional faithfulness theory in phonology have identified root-initial syllables, stressed syllables, roots, category nouns, and somehow final syllables as prominent positions that exhibit asymmetrical effects in resisting neutralization themselves but triggering it in other, less privileged, positions and categories. Based on data mainly from Jordanian Arabic, but from other languages as well, this paper establishes the proper name subcategory as a prominent licensor that phonologically manifests itself in the same ways as other well-established prominent positions. The proper name subcategory maintains a full inventory of sounds whereas other categories use only a subset of that inventory. It also resists neutralization to which other categories submit, and it licenses neutralization resistance to other categories such as loanword proper names. Additionally, the proper name subcategory tolerates marked structures that are either prohibited or neutralized in other categories. Highlights: Proper name subcategory is presented and established as a new prominent licensor. Proper name subcategory phonologically behaves like the other strong licensors. Proper name subcategory enjoys special status over its common-noun counterpart.