Optimality Theory in Phonology: A Reader is a collection of readings on this important new theory by leading figures in the field, starting with a lengthy excerpt from the original source, Prince and Smolensky's never-before-published report Optimality Theory: Constraint Interaction in Generative Grammar. The 33 selections cover a broad range of topics in phonology and include many of the foundational works, some of them revised to reflect the most recent developments. Optimality Theory in Phonology is designed as a text for advanced phonology courses, but is also of interest as a reference work for scholars in the field of linguistics and related disciplines. Each chapter includes introductory notes to set the stage and highlight connections, as well as a list of study and research questions.