Lenition in Kuwaiti Arabic: An Optimality Theory Approach

In this paper, we attempt to analyze lenition in Kuwaiti Spoken Arabic (KSA) within the framework of the Optimality Theory (OT) and following constraints proposed by Johnson (1965), Kirchner (2001), and Mustafawi (2006). Mustafawi (2006) analyzed and proposed constraints regarding the lenition of /d3/ to /j/ in Qatari Arabic. In this study we attempt to test the universality of these constraints (namely LAZY, LAZYRime, (LAZY/[+low])Rime, and * GG). We conclude that the constraints that regulate lenition in Qatari Arabic apply in Kuwaiti Spoken Arabic. We also propose more language-specific constraints (namely LAZY*cc, and LAZY*DL) that regulate lenition in Kuwaiti Spoken Arabic. Furthermore, we analyze the lexical exceptions that restrict the lenition of /d3/ to /j/ and mention three main approaches, in the literature, within OT to account for lexical exceptions.