A lexical analysis of the [č] - [š] alternation in Luiseño

Abstract

In attempting to analyze the phonology of a language within a standard generative framework, it is sometimes difficult to choose among competing analyses. New approaches to phonology sometimes of fer possible solutions to such dilemmas. In this paper, I provide an analysis of a longstanding problem in Luiseño, a Uto-Aztecan language spoken in California. The analysis is presented within the framework of Lexical Phonology. It will be shown that the Lexical approach enables us to resolve an issue which defies a straightforward analysis in the traditional generative framework.