Modal-dependence and naturalness in phonology: confronting the ontogenetic question

Abstract

Phonologists have long debated the role of phonetics in phonological theories. A key point in this debate is whether or not phonological computation is to be regarded as modally-independent, that is, whether or not facts about the articulatory and perceptual organs are regarded as external to the phonology.

This dissertation argues for a form of grounded phonology, by drawing on findings in neuroscience, as well giving grounded analysis of unnatural phenomena in Kashaya, Zuni and Odawa.