최적성이론에 의한 모음대추이의 발생원인 분석

Abstract

Lee, Sechang. 2006. An OT Analysis of the Triggering Feature of the Great Vowel Shift. Korean Journal of Linguistics, 31-3, 395-411. This paper aims to discuss how to explain the canonical type of the Great Vowel Shift whose occurrence can be traced arguably back to the 16th century in the history of the English language. I argue that the GVS was triggered by an attempt to eliminate an otherwise redundant feature in the phonological system of the time. In the process of discussing the trigger and direction of the GVS, I adopt the view that the chain shift of the relevant vowels is the result of the interactions of universal constraints to maintain perceptual distance of distinctive sounds. A theoretical comparison with other recent related work will be made and it will be shown that the GVS is a type of natural sound change whose explanation crucially depends on the proper postulation of universal constraints within the framework of the Optimality Theory. (Sookmyung Women's University)