Studies in Nonlinear Phonology (Hi-senjo Oiniron no Kenkyu)

本研究的主要目的是对非线性音系学进行理论和描述性的研究，特别是为了发展这一理论本身，并获得新的事实和发现。幸运的是，我们组织了一个系统的研究组，召开了座谈和口头报告，交流了信息和意见，三年来取得了很好的效果。首先，Head Investigator指出，日耳曼诗歌的传统韵律以线性原则为基础，存在一些严重的缺陷和问题，为了解释古英语诗歌中观察到的独特的韵律结构，非线性音系学的韵律框架是不可或缺的。他还通过吸收现代韵律理论的研究成果，如多维结构、内部音节结构和音段的音阶层次，成功地提出了古英语诗歌的新的韵律模式。另一方面，Suiko把分析的重点放在了非线性音系与句法的关系上，并试图对前人的理论进行修正和发展。他的研究成果不仅反映在他的文章中，而且也反映在他的著作《语法与发音》(1985，《泰书馆》)中。山田对早期现代英语和现代英语的词汇音系学进行了研究，其结果被高度评价为值得该理论发展的。Tabata分析了日语语段和音节的内部结构，其结果将有助于验证该理论本身的有效性。Mikami试图在非线性音系学的框架下对蒙古语元音进行新的分析，并取得了一些新的发现。遗留的问题仍然摆在我们面前，我们将重组现有的研究组，并在过去三年取得的成就的基础上开始新的调查。

The present research is primarily intended to make theoretical and descriptive investigations of nonlinear phonology, especially to develop the theory itself and obtain new facts and findings. Fortunately, as we could organize a systematic research group, hold a meeting for discussion and oral report, and exchange informations and opinions, good results are brought about in the last three years. First, Head Investigator demonstrated that some crucial defects and problems are involved in the traditional metrics for Germanic verse which is based on the linearity principle, and in order to explain peculiar metrical structures observed in Old English verse, the metrical framework of nonlinear phonology is indispensable. He also succeeded in presenting a new prosodic model for Old English verse by incorporating in it research products of the recent metrical theory such as multi-dimentional structure, internal syllable structure, and sonority hierarchy of segments. On the other hand, Suiko focused his analysis upon the relationship between nonlinear phonology and syntax, and attempted a modification and development to the previous theory. The results of his research are well reflected not only in his article but also in his book Grammar and Pronunciation(1985, Taishukan). Yamada made a research on the lexical phonology for Early Modern English and Modern English, the outcome of which is highly estimated as deserving for the development of the theory. Tabata analysed Japanese segments and the internal structure of a syllable; the results will contribute to verify the validity of the theory itself. Mikami attempted a new analysis of the vowels of Mongolian in the framework of nonlinear phonology, and sicceeded in getting some new findings. Residual problems are still before us, and we will reorganize the present research group, and start a new investigation based upon the achievements we have made in the last three years.