APPLICATION OF OPTIMALITY THEORY TO THE ANALYSIS OF IGBO SYLLABLE STRUCTURES

Abstract

This paper adopts the Optimality Theory (OT) in the analysis of the Igbo syllable structure. Using the OT framework, many Igbo polysyllabic words are analysed. The possible candidates are generated by GEN; the generated candidates are ‘assessed’ by the CON ranked in the order appropriate to the Igbo language. Finally, EVAL selects the optimal candidate, indicated by the pointing finger. The analysis shows that the theory (OT) is applicable to Igbo syllabification when the phonotatic constraints in the language such as NO CODA, NO CLUSTER, NO REP, VOW REC and ONSET are ranked in hierarchical order.