On the Edge Parameter

                               Eiji Yamada

0.  Introduction

     In Halle and Idsardi (1992), the employment of the new concept of
the Edge parameter has drastically changed the perspective of metrical
theory.  It means we no longer have to have recourse to the ad hoc
notion of extrametricality; it also systematizes and simplifies the
lexically-marked treatment of stress concerning some types of
morphemes and words.
     However, the relationship of the Edge parameter to other
principles (or rules) such as the bracket projection and the ICC
(Iterative Constituent Construction parameter) has not been
sufficiently clarified.  If its relation with these remains unstated,
it is not complete for calculating the proper phonological prominence.
     Therefore, in this paper we will examine the relationship of the
Edge parameter to other principles proposed by Halle and Idsardi
(1992), make clear their relation, and propose a Projected-Edge
Convention.

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       (For the full text of this paper, send e-mail
        to yamada@fukuoka-u.ac.jp)
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3.  Conclusion

     In this paper we have shown a way to treat the following three
types of word or string in (28) in a unified way within the
theoretical framework in Halle and Idsardi (1992):

(28)  a.  x x x x x )x       b.  x x x )x x x         c.  x x x x x x (
                    |                  |                              |
        [lexical Edge: RLR]     [lexical Edge: RLR]     [lexical Edge: LRR]
         (17)                    (19b)                   (24)

In conjunction with the general Edge parameter [general Edge: RLR]
assumed for all the three types in (28), type (28a) with penultimate
stress is assumed to have the lexical Edge [lexical Edge: RLR], type
(28b) with penultimate stress the lexical Edge [lexical Edge: RLR],
and type (28c) without stress the lexical Edge [lexical Edge: LRR].
     In order to provide the correct stress output for all three
cases, we have shown that we need a Projected-Edge Convention (12).
In addition, the Edge in (28c), named Terminal Edge in this paper,
triggers Terminal Edge Rule (22).
     Projected-Edge Convention (12) is imposed on the projection-based
brackets, especially those constructed by the Edge parameter: once the
Edge is projected, it blocks another projection of the Edge.  In
contrast with non- terminal Edge, mainly serving to replace
"extrametricality" treatment in the previous analyses, terminal Edge
has a special status: it blocks the ICC, not to speak of blocking
effect of another projection of Edge.