Seok, Jong-hwan. 1996. The Empty Categories in Phonological Theory. Studies in Modern Grammatical Theories 8: 25-46. This paper deals with issues relevant to the empty categories in phonological theory. The framework on which this paper is based is Government Phonology proposed by Kaye, Lowenstamm & Vergnaud(1985, 1990). GP is based on the notion of principles and parameters as developed by Chomsky(1981). One of the primary aims of GP is to look for Universal Grammar in phonology. To achieve this aim, GP employs a set of principles and parameters already well established in syntax. A nucleus which dominates a vowel in specific contexts can be underlyingly empty. An onset can have neither a skeletal point nor segmental material, and can have a skeletal point but no associated phonological content as well. Whether an empty nucleus is phonetically realized or not is not a question of representation, but a question of interpretation. Empty nuclei can be found in a domain-final as well as domain-internal positions. The interpretation of empty nuclei is determined by the Empty Category Principle, which is regarded as a part of Universal Grammar. The licensing condition for a domain-final is a language-specific parameter. An empty nucleus which is licensed is not interpreted phonetically. The interpretation of a domain-internal empty nucleus is determined depending on proper government. The recognition of empty categories in phonological theory can lead us toward an attempt to look for Universal Grammar in phonology as well as syntax.

• 석종환 | Jong Hwan Seok