In linguistics, Optimality Theory (frequently abbreviated OT) is a linguistic model proposing that the observed forms of language arise from the optimal OverviewCon: the constraint setEval: definition of optimalityCriticism
In linguistics, Optimality Theory is a linguistic model proposing that the observed forms of language arise from the optimal satisfaction of conflicting constraints. OT differs from other approaches to phonological analysis, which typically use Wikipedia
Optimality Theory provides a precise definition of “when necessary”: structures marked by a constraint are permitted only when all candidates avoiding that structure contain other structures marked by higher-ranked constraints.
Optimality Theory rests directly on a theory of linguistic markedness: 'marked' or linguistically-complex structures are literally marked as such by the constraints they violate. This can be illustrated by the effects of low-ranked constraints. Consider the language described above.
Optimality Theory rests directly on a theory of linguistic markedness: 'marked' or linguistically-complex structures are literally marked as such by the constraints they violate. This can be illustrated by the effects of low-ranked constraints.