An Optimality Theory Analysis of Schwa Epenthesis in Moroccan Arabic Tri-Consonantal Verbs

Abstract

This study explores the phenomenon of vowel epenthesis in Moroccan Arabic (MA) using the framework of Optimality Theory (OT). Based on data collected from native speakers, this article focuses on alternations in schwa placement across different verb forms. The analysis examines the constraints that govern schwa insertion and offers a critical evaluation of the Syllable Structure Assignment Algorithm (SSAA), proposed by Benhallam (1990). The study reveals that schwa epenthesis is a crucial strategy employed by MA to ensure the parsing of consonants into syllable structures rather than to avoid the formation of complex syllable margins, which is achieved by allowing minor syllables. Notably, the position and frequency of schwa insertion are not uniform but vary depending on the specific morphological environment. The results demonstrate that the interaction between the markedness constraint ONSET and the alignment constraint Align-R-Major-σ is key in determining both the location and number of epenthetic vowels. These insights challenge the predictive capacity of Benhallam’s SSAA and contribute to a deeper understanding of morpho-phonological patterns in MA. The study advances the broader discussion of phonological theory by highlighting the importance of constraint interaction in shaping phonological outcomes.