Stress in windows: Language typology and factorial typology

This paper will draw up a survey of metrical window systems informed by typological databases. The survey confirms that the maximum window size equals three syllables at both edges. Only final syllables (not initial ones) can be obligatorily unstressed. Any syllable in initial and final windows can be a default position. Three metrical models will be tested with respect to these generalizations: the first using binary feet and symmetrical extrametricality; the second, a grid-only model with anti-lapse constraints; the third, weakly layered ternary feet. Only the latter two models are able to generate the full attested typology. Yet only the weakly layered model avoids overgenerations known as ‘midpoint pathology’. The consequences for metrical theory will be discussed.

► This paper presents the first ever large-scale typology of metrical window systems; it is informed by two typological databases, as well as by additional primary sources.
► The typological survey reveals more symmetry than previously acknowledged; in particular, final and initial windows are maximally three syllables.
► This is the first study to test metrical models on their ability to capture typological generalizations, by calculating their factorial typologies computationally (OTSoft; Hayes et al., 2003).
► The analysis of the factorial typologies of three metrical models produces a typological argument for the ‘weakly layered’ foot approach over ‘strictly binary’ foot and lapse-based models.
► Typological similarities are found between ‘stress accent’ languages and ‘pitch accent’ languages regarding metrical windows, supporting the abstractness of metrical structure.