Sonority Sequencing Principle in Eastern Gilaki

Document Type : Original Article

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Abstract

Gilaki is a member of the northwestern Iranian language branch, spoken in Gilan Province.  In this article, the sonority sequencing principle is described in Eastern Gilaki syllables. The sonority sequencing principle (SSP) states that the syllable nucleus constitutes a sonority peak that is preceded or followed by a sequence of consonants with progressively decreasing sonority values. The vowels are the most sonorous segments and form the peak or nucleus of each syllable.  The more sonorous segments are closer to the peak and the less sonorous ones are further away from it.  In this research 980 CVCC lexical items were obtained among 23,660 words. The sequence of coda clusters was presented in separate tables based on the syllable's vowels. The results showed that the syllable structure in Gilaki is CV(C)(C) in which the presence of one consonant in the onset position and a vowel in the nucleus is obligatory, and having one or two consonants in coda position is optional. Also, the consonant expression in the syllable-final cluster shows that the principle of the sequencing sonority is confirmed in some data, and in some others, it has been violated. In most syllables where the CC cluster is closed by glides [l, r], nasals [n, m], and fricatives [s, z, f], the reproduction principle has been violated.

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References

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Journal of Iranian Dialects & Linguistics
Volume 5, Issue 2
April 2021
Pages 241-268

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 August 2020
  • Revise Date: 17 November 2020
  • Accept Date: 29 October 2020

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