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Universal 836: Voiceless l ⇒ Voiced l

Posted in Universals Archive

Universal 836: Voiceless l ⇒ Voiced l

Original
If there is a voiceless l, there will be a voiced l as well.
Standardized
IF there is a voiceless /l/, THEN there will be a voiced /l/.
Keywords
consonant, voice, lateral, liquid
Domain
phonology
Type
implication
Status
achronic
Quality
statistical
Basis
languages in Sherzer 1976
Source
Sherzer 1976: 179, Pericliev (i.p.)
Counterexamples
Nootka (Wakashan), Sandía and Isleta dialects of Tiwa (Tanoan), Tlingit (Athabascan-Eyak-Tlingit) (Sherzer 1976);Pipil (Teotepeque dialect)(Nahua, Aztec) (Campbell 1980); Campbell questions if this is a true counterexample due to the external fact the overgeneralization of devoicing /l/ in all environments (not just word-finally) is the result of imperfect language learning in the situation of language death.

One Comment

  1. FP
    FP

    1. In some languages, voiceless /l/ patterns with the voiceless fricatives, rather than with the laterals.2. Cf. Nartey’s less restrictive claim (#799): If there is a voiced obstruent, then most likely its voiceless cognate is present as well.

    1. May 2020

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