Fermion masses in a model for spontaneous parity breaking

In this paper we discuss a left-right symmetric model for elementary particles and their connection with the mass spectrum of elementary fermions. The model is based on the group $SU(2)_L\otimes SU(2)_R\otimes U(1)$. New mirror fermions and a minimal set of Higgs particles that breaks the symmetry down to $U(1)_{em}$ are proposed. The model can accommodate a consistent pattern for charged and neutral fermion masses as well as neutrino oscillations. An important consequence of the model is that the connection between the left and right sectors can be done by the neutral vector gauge bosons Z and a new heavy Z'.