Foot-sensitive word minimization in Spanish

Abstract

This paper presents empirical evidence in support of prosodic-head correspondence constraints (Alderete 1995), output-to-output correspondence (McCarthy andPrince 1995, Benua 1995, Kenstowicz 1994) and word-minimization äs a case ofEmergence ofthe Unmarked (McCarthy and Prince 1994, Benua 1995). Ifocus on a Spanish truncation process thatfavors the preservation ofthe main-stressed foot ofthe Source Form (SF). This generalization explains why the segments preserved may comefrom the last three syllables of SF given that the main-stressed foot of Spanish words is constrained to a right-edge three-syllable window. The emerging Truncated Form (TF) is equivalent to a MiriWd that strives to remain äs faitnful to the main-stressed foot ofSF äs possible. However, because markedness constraints outrank (SF-TF)-ldentity constraints, TF may not always be identical to the main-stressed foot of SF. Complex syllable nodes within the main-stressed foot are simplified by disposing of the segment that is less harmonious with the syllabic position in which it is parsed. Furthermore, coda segments are avoided uniess they are placeless; although more tolerant dialects preserve them provided that they are coronal. When coronal coda consonants are tolerated, TF may consist ofa single heavy syllable, but when all coda consonants are barred, TF must always be disyllabic so that its foot may be binary and built on unmarked CVsyllables.