Some General Properties of Phonological Rules

As the study of phonology has progressed, within the framework of generative grammar, certain principles have emerged governing the form and organization of phonological rules, and the manner in which these rules are to be interpreted. Several such principles are presented, with illustrative examples, from English, indicating the kind of evidence that supports them. Some possible alternatives are also discussed. Certain of these principles are quite abstract, and impose fairly heavy restrictions on the form and interpretation of grammars. If correct, they restrict the class of ‘possible human languages’ in non-trivial ways. The broader context in which these principles might have more general relevance is briefly touched on.