Korean n-insertion: a mismatch between data and learning

Abstract

This paper explores the variable application of n-insertion in Korean. Several tendencies emerge from the distribution of n-insertion in existing Korean words, using data drawn from a dictionary and from surveys and experimental studies. Most, but not all, of these tendencies are mirrored in the results of experiments involving novel words, suggesting that Korean speakers are aware of the differential influence of certain phonological factors on the probability of the application of n-insertion. The observed patterns of variation are analysed within the framework of a probabilistic version of Optimality Theory. In addition, the paper shows that the main aspects of n-insertion are motivated by the requirement of perceptually minimal modification, employing an analysis based on Steriade's P-map theory. The observed data vs. learning mismatch is also attributed to the lack of a perceptual basis for the tendency in question.

Linguistic entrenchment and the effect of subjective lexical familiarity in Korean /n/-insertion

“…Secondly, the older generation in their 60s is more likely to show /n/-insertion than the younger generation in their 20s, a finding that is consistent with Kook et al (2005). Thirdly, /n/-insertion is more likely to appear after nasals and approximants than stops, fricatives and affricates, corroborating Jun's (2015) finding that sonorants condition /n/-insertion at higher rates than obstruents. Fourth, /n/insertion is more likely to appear before the glide /j/ than before the vowel /i/, which is consistent with Kook et al (2005).…”

“…The Standard Korean Dictionary (Kwuklip kwuke yenkwuwen 1999) includes 25.28% native-Korean words , 57.12% Sino-Korean words, 5.26% loanwords, and 12.28% words of mixed historical sources (Chung 2000:63). Considering the different proportion of Sino-and native-Korean words, and the conflicting results from previous research (Kook et al 2005 andJun 2015), it is imperative to verify the effect of historical source using inferential statistics.…”

Driving Derived Environment Effects with Alignment Constraints

“…In the examples in (3), [n] is inserted between a prefix and a stem when the prefix ends in an obstruent and the stem begins with /i/ or /j/ (Jun 2014(Jun , 2015 (Jun 2015). That the prefixes in the examples above are /hot h / and /təs/ is independently justified.…”

“…In fact, [n] can be inserted between two morphemes at prefix-stem boundaries (21a-b), compound boundaries (21c-e), and phrase boundaries (21f-g) (Jun 2014(Jun , 2015 One way to extend the Alignment approach to different boundary types would be to substitute different boundary identities into the Align framework. ALIGN(prefix)-R would account for (21a-b), and constraints like ALIGN(stem)-R and ALIGN(phrase)-R would accommodate (21c-e) and (21f-g).…”

Speakers’ knowledge of alternations is asymmetrical: Evidence from Seoul Korean verb paradigms

“…This, too, is expected under a probabilistic grammatical approach, in which the probability of a rule or constraint ranking may be modulated by constraints on grammars and by prior expectations about likely processes or grammars. A number of recent studies on this issue focus on comparison between 'natural' vs. 'unnatural' patterns, testing whether speakers are less likely to generalize processes that have complex or phonetically unmotivated conditioning environments (Wilson 2006, Moreton 2008, Hayes et al 2009, Becker, Ketrez & Nevins 2011, Do 2013, Hayes & White 2013, Jun 2015. In this study, we will focus on a different constraint, concerning the directionality of processes relating allomorphs.…”