/r/ drop in colloquial Georgian.

In this paper we consider optional /r/ drop as attested in colloquial Georgian. Three distinct simplification patterns are attested in colloquial speech: (a) No /r/ drop. We argue that there are three main factors blocking /r/ drop in #C1rC2: the OCP, faithfulness to word-initial coronal obstruents and homonymy; (b) Optional /r/ drop. We argue that optional /r/ drop occurs in contexts where there is little overlap between C1 and C2. Hence /r/ drop does not create any retrieval problems for C1 and it applies optionally; (c) Assimilation applies after /r/ drop takes place. The patterns and direction of assimilation are determined by the strongest percept, in this case by glottals, which have a strong release. The analysis of #C1rC2 simplification demonstrates that in colloquial Georgian /r/ is the consonant undergoing deletion and C1 is the segment undergoing assimilation in the majority of cases. Both processes, /r/ drop and assimilation can only apply where there is minimal deviation from the input, not threatening C1 retrieval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]