OTSoft

Optimality Theory Software (OTSoft) - Rank constraints in Optimality Theory using a variety of algorithms.

OTSoft is a Windows program meant to facilitate analysis in Optimality Theory by using algorithms to do tasks that are too large or complex to be done reliably by hand.  It is also meant to save time and effort, particularly in word-processing.  The following functions are supported:

• Constraint ranking (using  Constraint Demotion (Tesar and Smolensky 1993) and other algorithms)

• Diagnosis of failed constraint sets
• Location of redundant constraints
• Automated ranking argumentation
• Preparation of standardly formatted tableaux
• Factorial typology
• IPA phonetic symbols

Version 2.1 of OTSoft (still posted on this site) also supports:

• Hasse diagrams (graphic representation of ranking)
• A priori (user-specified) rankings
• Autoentry of some constraint violations by structural descriptions
• "Stochastic tableaux" in the output of the Gradual Learning Algorithm

Version 2.3 (in beta) supports:

• Improved ranking argumentation (algorithm of Prince and Brasoveanu)

• Accurate assessment of "is needed" for constraints (fix bug)

• Maxent grammars

OTSoft was programmed primarily by Bruce Hayes, with contributions by Bruce Tesar and Kie Zuraw.

For more information, contact the author of the software