Chapter 4 - English Stress

Summary

The parametric approach to stress includes parameters (1) quantity sensitivity, (2) maximally binary or unbounded feet, (3) left or right branching and left or right strong, (4) direction of stress-tree construction, and (5) the word tree as left or right branching, Exemplification of this approach in Maranungku, Latvian, Warao, Eastern Cheemis, and Latin. Application to English as quantity sensitive with maximally binary feet that are left branching and left strong constructed from right to left with a right-branching word tree. It is necessary to allow some segments and syllables to be extrametrical prior to the application of the rules. Destressing rules are also required, with a convention of stray syllable adjunction. Most stress rules apply cyclically on stratum 1 of the phonology, with some noncyclic on stratum 2. Exceptions are to be accounted for by marking some items exceptions to certain rules; there is no need to assume stress in underlying representations.