Lateral Assimilation in a Feature Geometry

자질 기하학과 측음화

In the framework of linear representation which allows for no internal structure within features, there is no way to represent nonlinear phonological phenomena such as complex segments. This paper shows how we carl solve some problems of the linear feature theory in relation to the hierarchical feature theory. The purpose of this paper is to explain lateral assimilation under hierarchical feature representation. Although arguments for the position of classes of distinctive features have been made the position of (lateral) remains the issue of debate. Sagey(1988) argues that the feature [lateral] is structurally dependent on the root node. In contrast Rice & Avery (1991) put the feature (lated) under the spontaneous voicing. I have discussed previous studies of feature hierarchy and I propose a revised model of feature representation. Within this model I have shown how well feature geometry describes lateralization as feature spreading.