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Universal 1708:

Posted in Universals Archive

Universal 1708:

Original
The Strength Assimilation Law:
If Consonantal Strength is assimilated in a syllable contact, the Consonantal Strength of the stronger speech sound decreases.
Standardized
The Strength Assimilation Law:
If Consonantal Strength is assimilated in a syllable contact, the Consonantal Strength of the stronger speech sound decreases.
Keywords
syllable, consonant, strength, sonority, phonotactics
Domain
phonology
Type
implication
Status
achronic
Quality
statistical
Basis
languages mentioned in Vennemann 1988, with special reference to German, Germanic, Italian, and Latin
Source
Vennemann 1988: 33
Counterexamples
There are probably many exceptions of the regressive part of the universal.

One Comment

  1. FP
    FP

    Represents a generalization of Murray’s Progressive Assimilation Law:In progressive assimilation, the speech sound with lesser Consonantal Strength dominates (Murray 1982).

    1. May 2020

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