Caracterização e formalização de lacunas em inventários fonológicos consonantais – uma interpretação pela OT

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss the formalization of markedness constraints in Optimality Theory (OT), with an emphasis on the formalization of manner-specific constraints, proposed by De Lacy (2002, 2006). In order to achieve this goal, we focus on the consonantal gaps found in the inventories of three distinct systems: Manchu, Portuguese and Fe?fe? bamileke. As their formalization allows for the association between the harmonic scales of place and manner of articulation with voicing, manner-specific constraints have not only proved an adequate solution in the analysis of phonological gaps, but they also constitute a robust constraint formalization schema in OT.