Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 June 2019
This article considers chain effects in Kurpian. It is observed that initial i triggers j-Insertion. The inserted [j] induces a lowering process, whereby /i/ changes into [e] or [ə], depending on the context. This change destroys the original trigger of j-Insertion, making the process opaque, as in jënteres [jəntɛrɛs] ‘interest’, which exhibits the following chain: i → ji → jə . I argue that chain effects cannot be modeled in Standard Optimality Theory, including its auxiliary theories: Max Feature theory, Sympathy theory and Candidate Chains theory. Consequently, chain effects constitute evidence for derivational levels envisaged by Derivational Optimality Theory. In particular j-Insertion must take place before /i/ is turned into [e] or [ə] because these vowels cannot trigger glide insertion.
I would like to thank the three anonymous Journal of Linguistics referees for discussion and criticism, which led to considerable improvement of both the content and the presentation of my analysis. However, let me add that the responsibility for this article is solely mine. I would also like to thank my Kurpian consultants: Henryk Gadomski, Tadeusz Grec, Mirosław Grzyb, Krystyna Łaszczych, Krystyna Mrozowska, Stefania Prusaczyk, Danuta Staszewska, and Irena Bachmura.