Work

Monosyllabicization: patterns of evolution in Asian languages*

Year: 2012

Type: book-chapter

Abstract: Asian languages reveal a continuum from quasi-disyllables to highly eroded monosyllables. These variegated states are now understood to be different stages along a common evolutionary path. An overview is proposed, beginning with the earliest stages of monosyllabicization, before the generalization of a strictly monosyllabic phonological structure. The well-documented processes of consonantal depletion which lead to the development of phonation-type registers and tones are set out within a general model. Lastly, phonological evolutions observed at advanced stages of segmental depletion are discussed. The concluding note concerns the aftermath of segmental depletion: the re-creation of polysyllables.

Source: Akademie Verlag eBooks

DOI: 10.1524/9783050060354.115

Author: Alexis Michaud

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Langues et Civilisations à Tradition Orale

Language: English

Topic: Linguistics and language evolution

Subfield: Language and Linguistics

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2485600103

FWCI: 44.91

Cites:

Cited by: 86

Related to: 10