Metrical Stress Theory : Principles and Case Studies

Bruce P. (University of California Hayes

ISBN 10: 0226321045 / ISBN 13: 9780226321042

Published by The University Of Chicago Press Jan 1995, 1995

About this Item

Neuware - Abbreviations Acknowledgments 1: Introduction 2: Diagnosing Stress Patterns 3: Background 4: Foot Inventory 5: Further Elements of the Theory 6: Case Studies 7: Syllable Weight 8: Ternary Alternation and Weak Local Parsing 9: Phrasal Stress 10: Theoretical Synopsis and Conclusion References Index of Names Index of Languages and Language Families Index of Subjects.

Seller Inventory # 9780226321042

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Metrical Stress Theory : Principles and Case Studies
• Publisher: The University Of Chicago Press Jan 1995
• Publication Date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0226321045
• ISBN 13: 9780226321042
• Binding: Taschenbuch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 230W x 157H x 30D millimeters 230 millimeters width by 157 millimeters height by 30 millimeters depth
• Weight: 636 grams

About this title

Synopsis

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.