Vowel-zero alternation in Turkish

Abstract

This work aims at analysing the conditions for vowel-zero alternation in modern Standard Turkish. The purpose is both descriptive and theoretical. The data that has been collected from native speakers of modern Standard Turkish show that vowelzero alternation is more widespread than has been indicated in dictionaries and in linguistic studies on Turkish. Moreover, the forms which undergo vowel-zero alternation are not lexically conditioned, at least not for certain speakers in contrast to what has been assumed in the literature. The phonological conditions on the site of vowel-zero alternation are discussed within the framework of Government Phonology. The central assertion is that vowel-zero alternation in Turkish (i) is a predictable consequence of phonological structure and (ii) is optional. On the other hand, the realization of the vowel-zero alternation process is also sensitive to some conditions on the natures of the alternating vowels and of the flanking consonants. These conditions are systematic and therefore render vowel-zero alternation predictable.