Presents results of a connectionist simulation that modeled the reanalysis of the Latin gender system in its transition to Old French. The network reanalysis was based solely on formal cues and on frequency. Results are in accordance with the historical data, and certain errors in simulations are also amenable to principled explanations.…

"Geminate inalterability" is the phenomenon whereby a rule affecting singleton segments fails to alter comparable geminates. A new theory is proposed attributing inalterability to prespecification: geminate (and singleton) inalterability follows solely from the Elsewhere Condition. (approximately 120 references) (Author/LB)

The derivation of Latin "sum,""es(s),""est" from Indo-European "esmi,""est,""esti" involves methodological problems. It is claimed here that the development of "sum" from "esmi" is related to the origin of the variation "est-st" (less than"esti"). The study is primarily concerned with this process, but chronological suggestions are also made. (CHK)

A type of sound symbolism that has influenced the composition of modern Spanish vocabulary is discussed. Rates of lexical retention and loss are attributed to the degree to which verbs fit the developing morphophonemic and semantic patterns. (EJS)

Clark's 1987 Principle of Contrast seems inconsistent with the synonymy exhibited by inflectional affixes in languages with inflection classes. But if inflection class membership identifies the inflection class of the lexemes to which it attaches, then inflection affixation complies with this principle. Grammatical implications are suggested. (76…