The Automated Generation of Arabic Word Roots:A Phonology-Computational Approach

Abstract

Abstract: The goal of this study is to understand the structure of Arabic words
and to automate their generation. Instead of relying on extensive dictionary-
style databases, this approach aims to enable the programming of inflectional
systems using mathematical functions. Based on the assumption that phonological principles exist and govern this generation, the specific aim of
this study is to examine how these principles contribute to the formation of
trilateral roots in Arabic. The concept of feature geometry in non-linear
phonology is employed to derive these principles. The study concludes that
the production of trilateral roots from the twenty-eight consonants of the
Arabic language is governed by a general phonological principle, alongside
specialized phonological rules. These rules can be translated into
mathematical functions that facilitate the generation of valid trilateral roots
within the Arabic linguistic system, while also explaining why certain roots are
not permissible.
Keywords: Root, word, feature geometry, phonology, morphology.