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This work presents a new theory of markedness in phonology, the tendency of languages to show a preference for particular structures or sounds. Drawing on examples from a wide range of phonological phenomena, de Lacy argues that markedness is part of our linguistic competence, determined by conflicting mechanisms in the brain.

'Markedness' refers to the tendency of languages to show a preference for particular structures or sounds. This bias towards 'marked' elements is consistent within and across languages, and tells us a great deal about what languages can and cannot do. This pioneering study presents a groundbreaking theory of markedness in phonology. De Lacy argues that markedness is part of our linguistic competence, and is determined by three conflicting mechanisms in the brain: (a) pressure to preserve marked sounds ('preservation'), (b) pressure to turn marked sounds into unmarked sounds ('reduction'), and...