Feature structures and indices

Abstract

Hayes (1990) proposes the adoption of a new notation for representing hierarchical phonological structure, in response to a notational problem which he calls the DIPHTHONGISATION PARADOX. More generally, he seeks to find a replacement for the current method of depicting feature trees, which is not ideally suited to the clear expression of rules and derivations. While I am in complete agreement with this standpoint and fully support Hayes' assertion that certain ambiguities of interpretation have crept into the graphical conventions currently in widespread use, I nevertheless believe his proposal suffers from a number of problems. Once identified, these problems can be solved with further not..