Re: 'Intrusive' phonemes in languages

--- In cybalist@yahoogroups.com, "aquila_grande"
<aquila_grande@...> wrote:

> I think this is the explanatrion: Usually the word quatre is
> pronounce "katr&", ie. in practical language the -e- is not mute,
> but pronounced as a schwa.
>
> (I know the rules dictate this e to be mute, but this is not what
> happens in real speach)

Well ... I'd rather say that "e instable" is mute when not handy for
euphony, for instance when avoiding three or more consonants meeting:
"quatr-& francs", "il n'exist-& pas", but "quatr- euros".
(In quick colloquial pronunciation though: "quat- francs").

> You find the same phenomenon in the combination a-t-il = has he,
> where a -t is used in analogy with other similar combinations.
>

I've always considered this -t- the only survivor of 3rd sing -t in
Romance languages. Perhaps I am wrong?

Lars