ABSTRACT
The pioneering work of Mikolaj Kruszewski and Jean Baudouin de Courtenay marks the beginning of the scientific investigation of the relationship between phonetic processes and morphology. Their achievements, mutual indebtedness, and legacy to contemporary linguistic practice, are succinctly surveyed in Anderson (1985). Kruszewski's Über die Lautabwechslung and Baudouin's Versuch einer Theorie phonetischer Alternationen lucidly anticipate many of the issues which in the ensuing century would inform the discussions of phonetics and morphology. This chapter establishes some potential common ground between phonetics and morphological structure: namely, that both are characterized by a degree of arbitrariness. It also establishes what exactly the substance of supposed 'naturalness' is, and to what extent the facts conform to the relevant notion of 'naturalness'. The chapter explains that phonological 'naturalness' is often identified with phonetic motivation, reflecting properties of the vocal mechanism of human beings.
