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The n-epenthesis rule in Korean is the result of an analogical change, whereby the n∼φ alternation that arose from the historical change deleting initial n before i and y has exctended to the words originally lacking initial n. This analogical change is an example of rule inversion. That is, the original rule n → φ was. inverted to φ → n as the isolation forms were reanalyzed as underlying. Comparing the environments of these two rules, we find that they are the same as for the second element and are complementary as for the first element. This fact convinces us that the one was inverted to the other. Sai-sios (Bindungs-s) is phonetically realized only when the second element begins with a true consonant, tensing lenis obstruents and geminating nasals. In order to capture this fact, we should represent Sai-sios as an empty C, and interpret fortis consonants as geminates. In short, the Sai-sios effect is gemination. Epenthetic n is always realized as [nn] when the second element begins with i or y. This [nn] shows that, in this case, epenthetic n always accompanies Sai-sios, and it seems as if a look-ahead global rule were indispensable. Without any global rule, however, we can obtain an elegant description by representing Sai-sios as an empty C.
