This paper provides a critical assessment of the Gradual Learning Algorithm (GLA) for probabilistic optimality-theoretic grammars proposed by Boersma and Hayes (2001). After a short introduction to the problem of grammar learning in OT, we discuss the limitations of the standard solution to this problem (the Constraint Demotion Algorithm by Tesar and Smolensky (1998)), and outline how the GLA a...

This paper deals with the architectural issues of pragmatics within an overall account of natural language in optimality theory. It is argued that pragmatics can be seen as an optimisation problem described by its own constraint system which lies outside the constraint system that defines grammar (the production oriented OT models of syntax and phonology). Speaking and hearing both involve gram...

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Pronoun resolution algorithms often use elaborate and complicated rules and weighted factors. In this paper I will use the framework of Optimality Theory to implement an automatic pronoun resolution system for Dutch. By ranking constraints, Optimality Theory can be used to model complex behaviour and preferences, whilst keeping the constraints clear and simple. The system is developed by quanta...

signatures of Gen's inputs. McCarthy and Prince (1993a: 20) propose that the following three principles underlie the operation of the Gen procedure: 1. Freedom of Analysis. Any amount of structure may be posited. 2. Containment. No element may be literally removed from the input form. The input is thus contained in every candidate form. 3. Consistency of Exponence. No changes in the exponence o...

The present chapter frames Optimality-Theoretic approaches to phonological and morphosyntactic change in the context both of theoretical linguistics and of the questions asked in traditional historical linguistics. Previous traditional, standard generative and OT accounts are discussed, including principles of change invoked (e.g., Transparency Principle, Naturalness Condition, Neutral Ground H...

Optimality Theory (OT) is a formal linguistic model in which grammars consist of a universal set of violable constraints that are ranked in a language-particular hierarchy. Lower-ranked constraints are often forcibly violated in order to improve satisfaction of higher-ranked constraints. The optimal or most harmonic pronunciation of a given word is that output candidate which best fulfills the ...

This paper proposes an Optimality Theory (Prince & Smolensky, 1993) [OT]-based generator of the Interlanguage [IL]1 syllabification of Korean speakers of English. Basically, I accept the ideas of 'cyclic CON-EVAL loop' and 'locally encoded finite candidate set' proposed by Hammond (1995, 1997b). However, in order to treat some features of Korean accented English such as vowel epenthesis, segmen...

This paper introduces primitive Optimality Theory (OTP), a linguistically motivated formalization of OT. OTP speci es the class of autosegmental representations, the universal generator Gen, and the two simple families of permissible constraints. In contrast to less restricted theories using Generalized Alignment, OTP's optimal surface forms can be generated with nite-state methods adapted from...