The Phonology of the Definite Determiners in Yemeni Tihami Arabic

This paper analyzes the phonology of definite determiner (DET) two Yemeni Tihami Arabic dialects. The underlying Det for one dialect (the b-dialect) is /b-/: [θoor] ‘ox’- [b-θoor] ‘the ox’, and /m/ another OCP m-dialect): [m-θoor] ox’. Although underlyingly different in both dialects, it fully assimilates to following word-initial consonant if labial, creating a geminate. On surface, onset geminate behaves differently I present an analysis that treats them same except their representation ranking constraints. Both dialects further complications involving these geminates. In m-dialect, labial assimilation always optional, syllable light, as /firag/ ‘teams’, gemination optional ([f-firag] ~ [m-firag]), but heavy, resolved by epenthesis: /m-fiiraan/ → [ʔaf.fii.raan] mice’. explained we assume all geminates, even ones, are moraic: case, epenthesis compelled ban on extra-heavy syllables. b-dialect, obligatory because high-ranking Ocp-Lab. However, heavy syllables only optional: [f-faanuus] [ʔif.faa.nuus], lantern’.