ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the keyconcepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book shows an investigation of the relationship between phonetic processes and morphological structure. It offers in a new kind of substantive diachronic evidence for an 'interactive' conception of morphonology. The book focuses on the relation between paradigmatic morphology and phonetic metaphony in the Italian dialects. It attempts to anticipate the range of interpretations of the relationship between phonetic substance and morphology, and sketches some potential strategies for testing their validity. The book examines the role of metaphonic alternation in the morphological paradigms of modem dialects, paying particular attention to the exegesis of patterns of deviation from the predicted patterns of metaphonic alternation. It identifies the type of problems thrown up by morphonology, rather than offering exhaustive answers to them.
