Positional Neutralization - Linguistics - University of California ...

choice of suffix vowel is dependent on the identity of the root vowel. The fact that no
alternation occurs when the root is disyllabic creates irregularity in the choice of suffix
vocalism: Sometimes the suffix vowel harmonizes, and sometimes it does not (the
addition of two suffixes to a monosyllabic root potentially creates the same irregularity).
This irregularity is removed from the system simply by the generalization of the
harmonizing allomorph to all forms, as illustrated in (51) where the plural suffix -lAr is
taken as representative.
(51) Generalization of Suffix Alternation Pattern: Proportional Analogy
CV[α]C : CV[α]ClA[α]r :: CV[α]CV[α]C : X
X = CV[α]CV[α]ClA[α]r
At this point we have a system with all trisyllables, regardless of morphological structure,
displaying palatal harmony. The extension of the alternation pattern to longer strings of
suffixes is not difficult to conceive. It is worth noting that just as the generalization of the
alternating allomorph is possible, we might equally well expect the reverse, viz.,
instances of generalization of the invariant allomorph to all forms. The fact that some
suffixes are reconstructed for Proto-Turkic as non-harmonizing could be an indication
that this in fact took place.
338