Change, Chance, and Optimality

This book critically examines how languages evolve, focusing on the limitations of Optimality Theory in explaining language change and variation.

In Change, Chance, and Optimality, April McMahon delves into the intricate dynamics of language evolution, presenting a compelling critique of Optimality Theory (OT), the prevailing framework in contemporary phonology. The author argues that OT, while influential, fails to adequately explain the complexities of language change and variation. By outlining the foundational principles of OT, McMahon highlights its limitations in addressing the historical and contingent factors that shape linguistic development.

The book emphasizes the necessity of incorporating historical context and chance into linguistic theories to provide a more robust understanding of language change. McMahon draws on cross-linguistic data and compares OT with other linguistic theories, revealing the shortcomings of OT in accounting for linguistic phenomena without resorting to additional rules. This critical analysis not only challenges the status quo within linguistics but also encourages a reevaluation of how theoretical frameworks can evolve to better reflect the realities of language.

Ultimately, Change, Chance, and Optimality serves as a thought-provoking examination of the intersection between linguistic theory and the historical processes that drive language evolution. McMahon’s work prompts readers to consider the broader implications of linguistic change, advocating for a more nuanced approach that acknowledges the role of historical contingencies and the evolution of human language capacity.