Nasal Assimilation and Labiovelar Geometry.

The representation of labiovelars in feature geometry is discussed, using primarily evidence from Konni, a Gur language of northern Ghana, and data from some other languages. The discussion is based on an observation that place assimilation of a nasal consonant to labiovelars does not result universally in a labiovelar nasal, as has been theorized previously. Relevant data from Konni are presented first, and two possibilities for analysis of Konni and other languages are considered and rejected. Various proposals in the literature about how labiovelar consonants and nasal assimilation are to be represented in feature geometry are reviewed. An analysis to explain the assimilation facts in these cases is then outlined. It is concluded that to account for the facts of nasal assimilation in these languages, a geometrical representation must allow for both partial and total place assimilation. The facts of nasal assimilation suggest that a partial place assimilation is not unrestricted, but assimilates to the primary place of articulation if the language makes a distinction between primary and secondary places. A model of geometric identification is identified that, along with two separate rules for nasal assimilation, accounts best for the facts. Contains 23 references. (MSE) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from th original document. *********************************************************************** Nasal Assimilation and Labiovelar Geometry