Final tensing and opacity in Podhale Goralian

Abstract

Abstract This article discusses phonological generalisations concerning Podhale Goralian, a dialect of Polish spoken in southern Lesser Poland. It is argued that Podhale Goralian has a process called Final Tensing, which changes ɔ → o before word-final voiced consonants and glides. Final Tensing interacts with other rules of the dialect, leading to both major types of opacity: underapplication and overapplication. The descriptive generalisations are first stated in terms of rules and then reanalysed in terms of OT constraints. Even though both frameworks deliver the correct results, it is argued that the OT-based analysis is by a small margin superior to the rule-based analysis. Furthermore, the sources of the opacity exhibited by the discussed processes are classified according to Baković’s (2007, 2011) revised typology of opacity. I am particularly grateful to Jerzy Rubach for his discussion, guidance and support. I would also like to thank Jakub Dunin-Borkowski and Grzegorz Lara, who read an earlier version of this paper and provided inspiring feedback. My gratitude goes also to the three PSiCL referees for their helpful criticism, which led to considerable improvement of both the content and the presentation of my analysis. Last but not least, I have a special debt of gratitude to my native speaker consultants for their help and patience: Józef Bąk, Andrzej Kamiński, Stanisław Kamiński, Józef Kula, Anna Łuszczek, Małgorzata Łuszczek, Wojciech Łuszczek, Dorota Pająk, Martyna Pająk, Tomasz Płaza, Leszek Stasiwolak, Katarzyna Szwajnos, Maria Szwajnos, Monika Szwajnos and Andrzej Zarycki. Needless to say, the responsibility for this article is solely mine.