{"product_id":"9780521589802","title":"Optimality Theory","description":"This is an introduction to Optimality Theory, whose central idea is that surface forms of language reflect resolutions of conflicts between competing constraints. A surface form is 'optimal' if it incurs the least serious violations of a set of constraints, taking into account their hierarchical ranking. Languages differ in the ranking of constraints; and any violations must be minimal. The book does not limit its empirical scope to phonological phenomena, but also contains chapters on the learnability of OT grammars; OT's implications for syntax; and other issues such as opacity. It also reviews in detail a selection of the considerable research output which OT has already produced. Exercises accompany chapters 1-7, and there are sections on further reading. Optimality Theory will be welcomed by any linguist with a basic knowledge of derivational Generative Phonology.","brand":"Rene Kager","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45780273135934,"sku":"9780521589802","price":3094.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4357\/7662\/products\/9780521589802_2b44c24d-2e90-42bb-9e01-8ff3156b7f4d.jpg?v=1707291688","url":"https:\/\/exclusivebooks.co.za\/products\/9780521589802","provider":"Exclusive Books Online","version":"1.0","type":"link"}