An Optimality Theory Analysis of Velar Softening in English

The goal of this article is to analyse the phenomenon of Velar Softening in English within the nonderivational framework of Optimality Theory. It is argued that earlier approaches, including the traditional OT model which incorporates purely phonological constraints and a single-UR approach to allomorphy, fail to account for the process in question in a satisfactory manner. Instead, it is claimed that Velar Softening can be explained in terms of the OT model which adopts a multiple-input view on allomorphy as well as the idea of morpho-phonological constraints. Thus, the paper offers a novel and more adequate analysis of this process.