'N vergelykende studie studie van die tg-fonologie en die metriese fonologie met spesifieke verwysing na verkleinings vorming.

Abstract

Non-linear phonology, also known as metrical phonology, as represented by Trommelen (1983) makes certain claims. One of the most prominent claims concerns the prediction of the choice of diminutives. In this study Trommelen's claim: That diminutive formation ... is a local process in the sense that the specific diminutive alternant depends solely on the specific structure of the final rime preceding the suffix. Beyond this, no further phonological conditions are required for the choice between the alternants. (Trommelen, 1983 :94) Is tested against Afrikaans data. An overview is given of the metrical phonological theory, and the standard transformational generative phonological theory followed by a discussion of the Afrikaans syllable structure. Trommelen 's prediction of diminutive formation within the non-linear approach is then compared with the treat- ment of Afrikaans data within the linear approach of the standard TG model. Trommelen's main claim is tested against Afrikaans data constructed of nonsense words which comply with the morpheme structure rules of Afrikaans. Special attention Is given to the behaviour of sonorant con- sonants, especially in multisyllabic words which seem to be problematic cases according to Trommelen (1983 :51) : "It seems to me that the gram- mar can deal with these forms only by brute force, that Is , by special state- ments that account for the unexpected behavior of these nouns". 119 It is shown In this study that the linear approach can account for the choice of dimunitives in Afrikaans in more economical and general terms than the non -linear approach. The linear approach needs only one general rule to predict the correct diminutive, by taking into account such conditions as stress and vowel length. The use of a special statement such as Trommelen's ad hoc coda- branching rule is shown to be unnecessary.