Research Article

An Optimality Theory Analysis of Schwa Epenthesis in Moroccan Arabic Tri-Consonantal Verbs

Authors

  • Adil Mrhar Doctoral Student, Faculty of Languages, Letters, and Arts, English Department, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra
  • Ahmed Smirkou University Professor, Faculty of Languages, Letters, and Arts, English Department, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco

Abstract

This study explores the phenomenon of vowel epenthesis in Moroccan Arabic (MA) using the framework of Optimality Theory (OT). Based on data collected from native speakers, this article focuses on alternations in schwa placement across different verb forms. The analysis examines the constraints that govern schwa insertion and offers a critical evaluation of the Syllable Structure Assignment Algorithm (SSAA), proposed by Benhallam (1990). The study reveals that schwa epenthesis is a crucial strategy employed by MA to ensure the parsing of consonants into syllable structures rather than to avoid the formation of complex syllable margins, which is achieved by allowing minor syllables. Notably, the position and frequency of schwa insertion are not uniform but vary depending on the specific morphological environment. The results demonstrate that the interaction between the markedness constraint ONSET and the alignment constraint Align-R-Major-σ is key in determining both the location and number of epenthetic vowels. These insights challenge the predictive capacity of Benhallam’s SSAA and contribute to a deeper understanding of morpho-phonological patterns in MA. The study advances the broader discussion of phonological theory by highlighting the importance of constraint interaction in shaping phonological outcomes.

Article information

Journal

International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation

Volume (Issue)

7 (12)

Pages

22-34

Published

2024-11-26

How to Cite

Mrhar, A., & Ahmed Smirkou. (2024). An Optimality Theory Analysis of Schwa Epenthesis in Moroccan Arabic Tri-Consonantal Verbs. International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation, 7(12), 22-34. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijllt.2024.7.12.5

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Keywords:

Epenthesis, Moroccan Arabic, Optimality theory, Schwa, Syllabification.