A Theory of Syllabification and Segmental Alternation : With studies on the

This book proposes a particular theory of syllable structure and syllabification processes, and applies the theory in detail to the phonology of the four languages named in the title. This review focuses on the two Native American languages represented, Tonkawa and Yawelmani. Chapters 1 and 2 argue for the basic approach (including brief discussions of Wiyot and Navajo). Chapters 3 to 6 are devoted to the four language studies, and include overviews of previous work in addition to original analyses. Chapter 7 is a short conclusion. The theory of syllables propounded by Noske has the following basic characteristics. The constituents Onset, Nucleus, and Coda are recognized, and many language-specific syllable structures are defined relative to these categories: for example, whether a language permits a vowel in the coda determines whether diphthongs exist. Operations of consonant and vowel epenthesis function to fill empty Onset and Nucleus nodes. The central role of these subsyllabic nodes leads to the term " true constituent model " , and contrasts with certain other approaches