Calculating Metrical Structure
William J. Idsardi · The MIT Press eBooks · 2009
This chapter offers a revised version of the simplified bracketed grid theory of metrical computations first proposed in 1992 and modified in 1995. It discusses the parameters of the revised theory in relation to finite state automata to give the theory a clear, effective, and efficient computational foundation. It then presents some short case studies illustrating interesting aspects of the revised theory and compares the automata in the proposed theory with those constructed using recent Optimality Theory (OT) proposals for stress, along with suggestions for finite state compilation of OT grammars. The chapter also looks at the reduction of metrical calculations to two basic operations, Projection and Grouping, and combines the mechanisms of Edge Marking and Iterative Constituent Construction into a general Grouping system. Finally, it highlights the utility of the distinction between open and closed feet.