Parallelisms in the Morphophonemics of Several Micronesian Languages

Bender, Byron W. (1973). "Parallelisms in the Morphophonemics of Several Micronesian Languages". Oceanic Linguistics. 12 (1/2): 455. doi:10.2307/3622863. ISSN 0029-8115.

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Abstract: This paper focuses on alternation patterns of less widespread distribution within the Austronesian family for their possible diagnostic value in subgrouping. Sohn (1971) first called attention to the fact that there are two alternation patterns involving the raising of low vowels that are shared by more than one Micronesian language, noting two alternations in Woleaian that parallel patterns earlier identified in Marshallese by Bender (1969). Kee-dong Lee (personal communication) later found one of these in Kusaiean, and Goodenough (personal communication) and Nathan (1974) have noted vestiges of the other in Trukese and Nauruan, respectively.

These two patterns and several others are detailed here in the interests of learning whether they are shared by other languages in or outside Micronesia. Included will be observations on the continuing force or productivity of the rule responsible for the alternation. Each alternation will be discussed in some detail for one language and to a lesser extent for known parallel occurrences in other languages. It is hoped that this admittedly sketchy treatment will cause readers to bring to our attention details of the occurrences of parallel alternations in other languages they may have knowledge of.

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