An Optimal Domains Theory of Harmony

In this paper we propose an alternative to the autosegmental view of assimilation as spreading Adopting the non derivational constraint based grammars of OT we model harmony in terms of harmony domains structures which are de ned by universal constraints and which are explicitly encoded in phonological representation Transparency and opacity develop from the interaction between constraints that align harmony domains and constraints on the occurrence of the harmony feature within the domain The proposed analysis assumes privative features and avoids the stipulatory use of feature underspeci cation or feature geometry which characterizes many autosegmental accounts of opacity and transparency