Metathesis in Moroccan Arabic: Optimality-theoretic account

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the phonological process of metathesis occurring in MA. The article provides preliminary observations and analysis within Optimality Theory and the rule-based approach. Notably, this paper aims to analyse and unveil the constraint interactions responsible for the consonantal sequence alteration occurring in MA. After presenting the MA data, an optimality-theoretical analysis is developed for further scrutiny. The results have highlighted that the SyllCon constraint is an undominated constraint and motivating force behind the metathesis process in MA.