An Optimality Theory analysis of lexical accent as dynamic tones in several Japanese dialects

In this work we show how the tone patterns of several Japanese dialects can be explained with dynamic tones. Contrary to Uwano (2012) who proposes three types of accent kernels (lowering, ascending and raising) to account for the tone patterns of accented dialects, we propose only two types of dynamic tones: HL and LH. Hirosaki dialect and Shizukuishi dialect that possess an ascending kernel in Uwano’s typology can be explained as having respectively a falling tone and a rising tone.