Akan vowel harmony
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2004
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Swarthmore College. Dept. of Linguistics
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Thesis (B.A.)
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Abstract
Akan, a Ghanaian language in the Kwa subbranch of the Niger-Congo family~ exhibits a
robust system of vmvel harmony for tongue root position. Much of the research on Akan has
also posited the existence of a system for rounding harmony as well. In this thesis, I argue that
both systems are well-attested and highly consistent. First, I demonstrate that it is possible to
produce a coherent, consistent description of Akan vowel harmony. I then examine the pa tterns
of harmony and demonstrate that it is easily understood when its different domains - stems,
prefixes, and suffixes - are examined independently. Based on this information, it is possible
to demonstrate that tongue root harmony applies universally, while rounding harmony occurs
directional! y.
After fully describing the harmony system, I take a preliminary look at an Optimality Theory
account. I compare and contrast Stem Control and Agreement theory, as proposed by
Bakovic (2003), andAligrunent theory, as modeled by Akinlabi (1997). On evaluation of the
data, I demonstrate that Alignment explains a larger portion of the Akan data, but that Stem
Control has some interesting implications for dealing with "irregular" forms.
This thesis is organized as follows: In chapter 1, I give a general overview of work on Akan
phonology and, on Akan orthography and vowels. In chapter 2, I give a systematic, organized
description of the vowel harmony system based on the published literature. In chapter 3, I expand on this framework using data coLee ted from speakers, Chapter 4 prese;
Optimality Theoretic approaches to VC)wel harmony, Chapter 5 evaluates the effe,
the theories with respect to Akan data.