Metrical Stress Theory

by Hayes, Bruce

• ISBN13: 9780226321035
• ISBN10: 0226321037
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1995-01-15
• Publisher: Univ of Chicago Pr

Summary

In this account of metrical stress theory, Bruce Hayes builds on the notion that stress constitutes linguistic rhythm--that stress patterns are rhythmically organized, and that formal structures proposed for rhythm can provide a suitable account of stress. Through an extensive typological survey of word stress rules that uncovers widespread asymmetries, he identifies a fundamental distinction between iambic and trochaic rhythm, called the "Iambic/Trochaic law," and argues that it has pervasive effects among the rules and structures responsible for stress. Hayes incorporates the iambic/trochaic opposition into a general theory of word stress assignment, intended to account for all languages in which stress is assigned on phonological as opposed to morphological principles. His theory addresses particularly problematic areas in metrical work, such as ternary stress and unusual weight distinctions, and he proposes new theoretical accounts of them. Attempting to take more seriously the claim of generative grammar to be an account of linguistic universals, Hayes proposes analyses for the stress patterns of over 150 languages. Hayes compares his own innovative views with alternatives from the literature, allowing students to gain an overview of the field. Metrical Stress Theory should interest all who seek to understand the role of stress in language.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Diagnosing Stress Patterns

Background

Foot Inventory

Further Elements of the Theory

Case Studies

Syllable Weight

Ternary Alternation and Weak Local Parsing

Phrasal Stress

Theoretical Synopsis and Conclusion

References

Index of Names

Index of Languages and Language Families

Index of Subjects

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