n-Insertion as y-Devocalization in Korean*1

Lee Yongsung, Lee Minkyung. 2006. n-Insertion as y-devocalization in Korean. Korean Journal of Linguistics, 31-3, 413-440. This paper reinvestigates and reanalyzes the so-called n-insertion phenomenon found in Seoul Korean under Optimality Theoretic framework. Given previous approaches, n-insertion in -C.ysequence comprises two parts; /n/ is inserted before /y/ and /ny/ is coalesced to produce a palatal nasal [ɲ]. This approach, however, has two problems: n-insertion assumes that /n/ is the most unmarked consonant in Korean and the change itself does not improve markedness, since complex onsets are more marked than single onsets. Noting these problems, this paper makes a new proposal that /y/ is devocalized and becomes consonantal under the requirement of Syllable Contact constraint, which militates against rising sonority over a syllable boundary. Interestingly, Korean shows disparity between Pure-Korean and Sino-Korean words in the distribution of n-insertion. It will be shown that the difference can be accounted for with the adoption of different alignment constraints. As such, this paper obviates unwanted assumption on n-unmarkedness and complicated rule-like constraints, and still offers comprehensive and systematic analysis of n-insertion. (Pusan University of Foreign Studies and Daegu University)