Formal versus Functional Explanation for a Universal Theory of Syllable Structure: The Case of Vowel Epenthesis in Winnebago

Abstract

This paper first contrasts formal versus functional explanations for language processes. It suggests that the different types of explanation can be brought together to offer deeper understanding of language processes. It illustrates this by giving a detailed * This paper develops and expands on a talk presented at the meeting of the Linguistic Society in Albuquerque, New Mexico and at the 14th Manchester Phonology Meeting, both held in 2006. We would like to thank Bill Anderson for elucidation of Winnebago (Hocank). 8 Formal versus Functional Explanation for a Universal Theory of ~ account of vowel epenthesis in the Native American language Winnebago that references a universal theory of syllable structure.