Build an Affix Process Rule

In a lexical entry, there can be an Affix Process Rule field for the lexeme form, and separate Affix Process Rule fields for one or more allomorphs. See: Insert an Affix Process Rule field. These fields store a table and Result line. Insert content only in the Input row. Cells are automatically indexed with numbers in the Index row. When you insert content, the index numbers are automatically updated. The Result line also shows index numbers.

1. In the Affix Process Rule field, click the cell in the Input row where you want to insert an item (phoneme, natural class and so on), and then click one of these insert options:

   • Phoneme

     The Choose Phoneme dialog box appears.

   • Natural Class

     The Choose Natural Class dialog box appears.

   • Phonological Feature(s)

     The Choose Phonological Features dialog box appears.

   • Morpheme boundary (+)

     A + (word boundary marker) is inserted.

   • Column

     A column is added to the table to the left or right of the insertion point, depending on where it is.

2. If a dialog box appears and shows the item you want, select the item, and then click OK. If the item you need is not shown in a dialog box, click the link near the bottom of that dialog box so you can insert the new item. Then return to this field and continue.

   The selected item is inserted in the rule and the cursor remains adjacent to the inserted item.

   • In the Choose Phonological Features dialog box, if the feature you need is shown, click it. Then, in the Value column select +, - or a custom value you inserted. Repeat this step for each feature you want to insert. Click OK.

3. Repeat the above steps for each cell in the input row, as needed.

4. If necessary, for a phonological feature in the Input row, right-click it and then click one of these commands that appear as links:

   • Phonological Features opens the Choose Phonological Features dialog box. Change the values for one or more phonological features. Click OK.

   • Show in Natural Classes list shows natural class in Natural Classes (Grammar). Change the phonological feature in the Phonological Features field as needed. Click (Back) to return.

5. Click the Result line to position the insertion point, and then click any of the following insert options:

   • Phoneme

     The Choose Phoneme dialog box appears. Click a phoneme. Click OK.

   • 1, 2, 3 or 4 (index numbers)

     The index number is added to the Result. You can select and delete index numbers from the Result, but there must always be at least one index number or the rule will be problematic.

6. Optionally, do these steps:

   • Click the Result line after the desired index number, and then click Set Phonological Features.

In the dialog box, choose the value for one or more phonological features. Click OK.

• Click the Result line after the desired index number, and then click Set Natural Class.

In the dialog box, choose the natural class. Click OK.

7. If necessary, for phonemes in the Input row or in the Result, right-click the phoneme, and then click Show in Phonemes list. The window changes to show the phoneme in Phonemes (Grammar). Edit the phoneme as needed. Click (Back) to return.

8. Repeat any of the steps above as necessary.

Note

• Which insert options are available depends on the position of the insertion point. Examples:

  • Word Boundary is only available when the insertion point is at the left- or right-most cells in the Input row.

  • Column is only available when there are two or more cells with content and the insertion point is in one of those cells. (The column is inserted as close to the insertion point as possible, and the insertion point moves to the new column.)

• Use the arrow keys to move between the cells in the table, and the Tab key to move from the table to the Result area.

• For more information, point to Resources on the Help menu, and then click Introduction to Parsing. Affix process rules are discussed under Item and Process.

Related Topics

Edit a natural class

Lexicon Edit overview

Phonological Features field (Phonemes)