This book investigates the complex interplay between morphological and phonological determinants of linguistic form, specifically focusing on the role of canonical forms. Dr. Laura J. Downing, a specialist in phonological theory, presents an original framework to explain how invariant syllabic shapes function as the defining characteristic of prosodic morphology. By testing this theory against a diverse array of cross-linguistic data, the author provides a rigorous analysis of how these two linguistic systems constrain and influence one another.

Scholars and advanced students of linguistics frequently cite this work as a significant contribution to the study of prosodic morphology and linguistic theory. Experts highlight the text's academic density and its utility as a foundational resource for understanding the formal constraints of language structure.