Gestures in optimality theory and the laryngeal phonology of Faroese

This paper presents an Optimality Theoretic analysis of aspiration in the Scandinavian
language Faroese using gestural score representations from Articulatory Phonology. In
Faroese, a strong parallel exists between pre- and post-aspiration such that neither
realization appears to be inherently preferred. This symmetry is straightforwardly captured
by alignment within gestural scores, but runs counter to the treatments of pre-aspiration in
traditional linear and autosegmental theories, where such segments are inherently more
complex than their post-aspirated counterparts. An OT analysis that makes use of the
alignment-based distinction in gestural scores is therefore proposed for the Faroese data. The
account incorporates cross-linguistic preferences for post-aspiration and the correlation
observed between stress and aspiration, yet pre-aspiration surfaces in many of the Faroese
environments. Laryngeal alignment preferences are also analyzed as the basis of apparent
contrast neutralization and sonorant devoicing in consonant sequences, and provide the
framework for a grounded analysis of the interaction seen among consonant length, vowel
quality and aspiration. Based on the analytic benefits of incorporating rich representational
structure into the OT framework seen here and elsewhere, the potential for such theories to
contribute to the advancement of phonological theory appears to be considerable.