Re: [tied] Metathesis in sonant+ labiovelars, Greek

From: Sean Whalen
Message: 37133
Date: 2005-04-12

--- "Joao S. Lopes" <josimo70@...> wrote:
> If this shift is normal (labial +o+sonant>u), why
> there is *bHoros > phoros, *gWHonos > phonos,
> *portH2- > portax, instead of *phyros, *
> phynos/khynos, *pyrtax ?

It's possible that the rule depends on whether the
following consonant is in the same syllable. Maybe
the exact environment is very specific. Perhaps there
are several rules that can cause o>u such as:

o>u/:

C+sonor_C+back$

C+sonor_C+round

C+round_C+sonor

These are just examples; I'm not familiar enough
with the evidence to make any definite rules.
Especially since it's possible the rule is optional,
it may be impossible to make any definite analysis.


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