MaxEnt modeling of sC clusters in Philippine English: Bridging phonotactic theory and sociolectal diversity
Teri An Joy Magpale (Hankuk University of Foreign Studies)
Sung-Hoon Hong (Hankuk University of Foreign Studies)
Abstract
Phonotactic constraints are fundamental in shaping the phonological structures of languages, offering crucial insights into linguistic variation. Philippine English (PhE), influenced by native Philippine languages, presents a unique case for examining these constraints, particularly in the context of sC clusters. This study explores sociolectal variation in PhE, focusing on three sociolects distinguished by differing degrees of English proficiency and phonological adaptation. Using Maximum Entropy Grammar (MaxEnt), this research examines how phonological constraints like *APPENDIX, *ONSET{sC, and DEP-IO shape the acceptability of sC clusters across these sociolects. The findings reveal that the prominence of the anti-insertion constraint DEP-IO varies significantly, influencing cluster formation and acceptability. MaxEnt analysis provides a probabilistic understanding of these phonological phenomena, highlighting the gradient nature of epenthesis in PhE. This study underscores the importance of sociolectal factors in phonotactic adaptation and contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between native and acquired phonological norms in multilingual settings.
Keywords
Philippine English, sC clusters, phonotactics, sociolectal variation, vowel epenthesis