Which of the following autosegmental representation/s violate/s the Well-Formed Conditions (WFC) in a tone language, where V is the tone-bearing unit (TBU) and T is a lexical tone?
Show Hint
Ensure each tone (T) is associated with a tone-bearing unit (TBU) in autosegmental representations.
Violations occur when tones are not correctly aligned with the TBUs.
Step 1: Understanding WFC in a Tone Language
In tone languages, the Well-Formed Conditions (WFC) govern the correct alignment of tone-bearing units (TBUs) with the tones that are assigned to them. Each tone (T) must be associated with a TBU, typically a vowel (V).
Step 2: Analyzing P
In P, there are two vowels (V) each bearing a tone (T). This representation is incorrect because the second tone-bearing unit (V) is not aligned with its corresponding tone (T). The WFC requires each tone to be assigned to a TBU. Since the tone is not assigned to the second vowel in P, this representation violates WFC.
Thus, (A) P violates WFC.
Step 3: Analyzing Q
The representation in Q shows two vowels (V) each bearing a tone (T). The tone is aligned correctly with each vowel (TBU). This follows the WFC and does not violate the condition.
Thus, (B) Q does not violate WFC.
Step 4: Analyzing R
In R, there are three vowels (V) and three tones (T), which are properly assigned. This representation follows the WFC as each vowel is correctly aligned with its tone.
Thus, (C) R does not violate WFC.
Step 5: Analyzing S
The representation in S shows three vowels (V) each bearing a tone (T). While the tones are assigned correctly in this case, the positioning of the tones across multiple vowels violates WFC because the tones should not be shared across multiple TBUs. Each TBU must carry its own tone. Therefore, S violates the WFC.
Thus, (D) S violates WFC.
Conclusion
The representations that violate the Well-Formed Conditions (WFC) are: (A) P (B) Q (D) S
