This is an introduction to <strong>Optimality Theory</strong> whose central idea is thatsurface forms of language reflect resolutions of conflicts between compe... » 

This is an introduction to Optimality Theory whose central idea is thatsurface forms of language reflect resolutions of conflicts between competingconstraints. A surface form is optimal if it incurs the least seriousviolations of a set of constraints taking into account their hierarchicalranking. Languages differ in the ranking of constraints and any violationsmust be minimal. The book does not limit its empirical scope to phonologicalphenomena but also contains chapters on the learnability of OT grammars OTsimplications for syntax and other issues such as opacity. It also reviews indetail a selection of the considerable research output which OT has alreadyproduced. Exercises accompany chapters 17 and there are sections on furtherreading. Optimality Theory will be welcomed by any linguist with a basicknowledge of derivational Generative Phonology. «