to be universal, yet empirically they were shown to be tendencies, not absolutes. Optimality Theory explains this by assuming that constraints, while universal, are violable. Thus, there is no need to
stipulate a constraint’s operation, like a rule, but only to demonstrate its violation due to a conflict with a higher-ranking constraint. Universal constraints are cross-linguistic tendencies, due to language
specific rankings, not stipulation. Third, Optimality Theory allows more phonetics to be in the underlying representation. This is a crucial difference from Underspecification Theory that posited that
redundant features were underlyingly valueless. Contrastively, a constraint approach allows for redundant features to be present in the input, as they are in the output, but to be ranked below
contrastive features. Finally, Optimality Theory is able to mix the phonological component with the grammatical component in a theoretical transparent way via constraint ranking. This is an improvement
over a morphophonological rule or stratal derivation because the same machinery i.e. the ranking of constraints that is used for purely phonological alternations such as allophony, can be exploited to
include non-phonological domains.
2.7 Conclusion
From Soustelle to Avelino there are a number of recurrent observations in Pamean languages. First, Pame has contrastive tone on the stressed syllable only, while all other tones are predictable. Second,
consonant clustering and consonant modification in morphology is quite productive. Finally, within the domain of morphology, one of the most dominant themes in Northern Pame is the use of person and
number on both verbs and nouns. But much work remains to be done, even within the areas that these authors have addressed. Specifically, Northern Pame tone facts in this research suggest the presence of a
rising tone with compensatory lengthening and the absence of a falling tone. Likewise, we lack a clear understanding of where to draw the line between true consonant clusters and true complex segments.
The phonotactics of Northern Pame phonemes have yet to be fully mapped out. Last and perhaps most importantly, the complexities of morphology and morphological processes within Northern Pame
concatenative phonology still remains largely unexplored. From a theoretical perspective, laryngeal theory as expounded in research by Silverman 1995,
1997 and Lombardi 1994 touch on some salient facts of Northern Pame. Silverman’s claim that VʔV and VhV phonetic sequences are underlyingly laryngeally complex vowels in Otomanguean languages
remains to be tested on other languages within this family. Northern Pame is an excellent choice in this regard, since it is one of the more peripheral Otomanguean languages both geographically and
typologically. Lombardi’s proposal of a laryngeal node as an active factor in laryngeal neutralization also finds welcome data in this present research where laryngeally complex consonants and coda
neutralizations are commonplace. Finally, the descriptive facts of Northern Pame phonology, and in particular the facts described in
the following chapters, should be adequately explained in terms of what we know to be true of all languages i.e. universal grammar. Such an explanation can be attained in any number of ways, both
formal and non-formal. Optimality Theory is a model that is built around the central claim that languages share universal constraints, and that such constraints are in a natural conflict thus causing
certain ones to be violated. Assuming these presuppositions are true, an Optimality theoretic offers the means to separate language specific preferences from universal characteristics in the phonology of
Northern Pame.
CHAPTER 3 CONTRASTIVE SEGMENTS
3.1 Introduction
