LINGUIST List 13.2954

Thu Nov 14 2002

Qs: Vowel Dissimilation, Vlax Lang, Lengthening

Editor for this issue: Renee Galvis <reneelinguistlist.org>



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Directory

  • John Lynch, Query: Low vowel dissimilation
  • Ann Evans, The Vlax Community in Greece
  • beltzung Jean-Marc, Compensatory Lengthening

    Message 1: Query: Low vowel dissimilation

     Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 14:56:43 +1100
    From: John Lynch <lynch_jVANUATU.USP.AC.FJ>
    Subject: Query: Low vowel dissimilation


    I am investigating a phenomenon which is found in a number of languages of Micronesia and Vanuatu (synchronic in a few, historical in others), whereby the first /a/ in an /aCa/ sequence dissimilates, usually to /e/, and probably via schwa. In some of these languages, the rule operates (or operated) from left to right: *matins > metana > metena but in others, it operates from right to left, with the first dissimilation blocking any further application: *matana > matena

    This kind of dissimilation is unusual enough to suggest that we may be dealing with a single historical process in a language ancestral to all dissimilating languages in this region. However, this would imply a change in directional operation of the rule at some period in some languages. Can anyone direct me to other examples of this kind of directional change?

    Many thanks in advance.

    John Lynch lynch_jvanuatu.usp.ac.fj

    Message 2: The Vlax Community in Greece

     Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 15:49:05 +0000
    From: Ann Evans <evansannearthlink.net>
    Subject: The Vlax Community in Greece


    I am having trouble finding books (in either English or Greek) which describe and document the Vlax community in Greece. I am usually referred (as in Ethnologue) to ''gypsy'' communities and Romani language links. From what I learned in my interviews in Greece last summer, the Vlaxs do not consider themselves Gypsies, and have in fact been living in non-nomadic villages in Greece for centuries. Their language appears to be based on the Latin of the Roman invaders of the early centuries A.D., not on the Indo-European language coming in the other direction from India, where the Gypsies came from. I have, in other words, been gathering facts from here and there, and they don't appear to fit together, so I am looking for sources which can explain them more clearly. Thanks for any leads.

    Message 3: Compensatory Lengthening

     Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 16:49:44 +0000
    From: beltzung Jean-Marc <beltjmhotmail.com>
    Subject: Compensatory Lengthening


    Dear linguists,

    I am working on Compensatory Lengthening Database. I am looking for several languages and I need help. If someone can provides me some data about CL in one of this languages : Dzongkha, english, Gurage, Hindi, Irish (munster),Kabardian Kalispel, Lamang, Latin, Lillooet, Musey, Nyawaygi, oneida, Pomo, Eastern/ Pomo, Kashaya, Quechua, Huallaga, Telugu, Thai, Tibetan (Lhassa,Turkish, Uzbek, Veps, Whichita, Yapese,Yurok, etc.

    Thx for your returns Beltzung Jean-Marc, Paris.