Post-obstruent Tensification in Korean

Post-obstruent Tensification in Korean

Lee, Sechang. 1999. Post-obstruent Tensification in Korean. Studies in Phonetics, Phonology and Morphology 5.2, 337-355. This paper aims to explore some phonological properties centered around the neutralization of syllable-final consonants and the tensification of the subsequent syllable-initial obstruents. I discuss how an optimality-theoretic conception of phonology overcomes some of the limitations of the traditional ways of treating the phenomena. I claim that the close correlation between weakening (i.e., neutralization) and strengthening (i.e., tensification) processes within the framework of Optimality Theory be better accounted for than in previous analyses. (Sookmyung Women's University)