Positional faithfulness and voicing assimilation in optimality theory

This paper proposes a set of constraints within the framework of Optimality Theory that accounts for syllable-final laryngeal neutralization and voici ng assimilation in obstruent clusters. The interaction of positional faithf ulness and markedness is shown to result in laryngeal neutralization. Regre ssive assimilation is shown to be a result of the interaction of positional faithfulness with a constraint preferring adjacent obstruents to agree in voicing. Rerankings of the proposed constraints account for attested patter ns of voicing assimilation and neutralization: unlike previous neutralizati on and spread analyses, this approach makes the correct prediction that it is equally natural for voicing assimilation in clusters to combine with eit her devoicing of or retention of voicing distinctions in word-final consona nts. It is argued that the interactions of these constraints account for wh y voicing assimilation is always regressive unless special circumstances ho ld.