PRINCIPLES OF KOREAN SYLLABLE STRUCTURE

Abstract

Feature-manipulating rules like Obstruent Neutralization (affecting codas) and Obstruent Tensing (affecting onsets) are often proposed to account for the derivational changes seen in Korean examples like the following: /k'ak'+ta/ → [k'akt'a] 'to shear' I propose (following J.-M. Kim 1986) that the surface tense sounds of Korean are actually geminates, and that examples like the one above are derived as illustrated: That is, the first consonant of a geminated in word-initial position is treated as extrasyllabic, and the second C of geminate k' in word-final position is disassociated from the preceding k' and syllabified into the segment c in onset position, thereby tensing it. Thus, the surface syllable structures of Korean put it in league with the numerous other languages which permit obstruents to occur in syllable-final position only when they make up the first half of a geminate.