Gemination, Lenition, and Vowel Lengthening: On the History of Quantity in Germanic

The study of phonology examines the interdependence of vowel and consonant quantity in the history of Germanic languages, including gemination, lenition, and vowel lengthening. These processes reveal how quantity was treated in different language stages and how it evolved from distinctive segmental length to complementary length to syllable cut.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 29 October 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The study of phonology is greatly enriched by the examination of gemination, lenition, and vowel lengthening processes. These processes provide valuable insights into the treatment of quantity in a given language. By analyzing data from older language stages, modern dialects, and standard languages, this study explores the intricate relationship between vowel and consonant quantity throughout the history of the Germanic branch of Indo-European languages.

Kurt Goblirsch, in his comprehensive examination, delves into the diverse aspects of these quantity changes. He focuses on the various geminations observed in Old Germanic languages, such as West Germanic gemination, glide strengthening, and expressive gemination. He also examines open syllable lengthening in languages like German, Dutch, Frisian, English, and Scandinavian languages, as well as significant lenitions in High German, Low German, and Danish. Additionally, he explores minor lenitions in Bavarian, Franconian, and Frisian dialects.

What makes this study particularly noteworthy is its challenge to traditional theoretical assumptions about quantity change in Germanic languages. Goblirsch argues for a new account that emphasizes the interconnectedness of gemination, lenition, and vowel lengthening. He suggests that these processes are not independent but rather interrelated, contributing to the evolution of the Germanic languages from distinctive segmental length to complementary length to syllable cut.

The discussion presented in this study is rich and thought-provoking. It sheds light on the complex mechanisms that shape the development of language and offers a fresh perspective on the study of phonology. By examining the interdependence of vowel and consonant quantity, Goblirsch provides valuable insights into the historical processes that have shaped the Germanic languages. This study is a significant contribution to the field of phonology and will undoubtedly inspire further research and exploration into the intricacies of language structure and evolution.

Weight: 442g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108928946