A Correspondence-theoretic Account of Truncation

Abstract

Oh, Mira. 2003. A Correspondence-theoretic Account of Truncation. Korean Journal of Linguistics. 28-4, 629-649. Truncation is frequently used in fast speech or casual speech for the purpose of economy. Previous analyses of Korean Truncation mainly focused on segmental restriction on truncated syllables (Kang 1984; Cheun 1980; Song 2000). For example, high vowels and sonorant consonants were claimed to undergo Truncation. However, non-high vowels and obstruent consonants can be deleted (e.g., [kɨr∂m] (<- /kɨ.l∂.my∂n/) 'then,' [com] (<-/co.kɨm/) 'a little'. Concentrating on Truncation in Korean, this paper argues for four points. Firstly, Truncation is achieved through base-to-output correspondence within the Correspondence Theoretic framework (McCarthy and Prince 1995). Secondly, Syncope in Korean is sensitive to the weight and location of the syllable in the base. Thirdly, the constraints for Consonant Cluster Simplification determine the coda in consonant clusters after Syncope in Korean. Finally, the emergence of markedness in the truncatum depends on the constraint hierarchy in each language. (Chonnam National University)