Beiträge zur sorbischen Phonetik und Phonologie Teil 1 – Zum Lautsystem des Niedersorbischen: Distribution von [ɛ] und [e]
Articles on Sorbian Phonetics and Phonology. Part 1 – On the Sound-system of Lower Sorbian: The Distribution of [ɛ] und [e]

Summary/Abstract: The quality, distribution, and the phonological and normative status of open and closed variants of e in Lower Sorbian, are discussed in this article. Analysis of previous contributions show that these problems are described in very inconsistent and contradictory ways, in which the influence of Upper Sorbian grammar descriptions can be seen to play a role. The problematic nature of this is analysed in this essay using recordings from the research project “Documentation of Endangered Languages” (in part provisionally). Firstly, pronunciation is discussed, taking account of its position (1) between hard consonants, in initial position in front of hard consonants, and in the final position after hard consonants, (2) between a soft and a hard consonant, (3) between a hard and a soft consonant and (4) between two soft consonants, whereby the nature of the consonants and the syllable structure are taken into account, if this is appropriate. Finally, orthoepic suggestions are formulated and provisional phonological conclusions presented. Also, the problem of the adaptation of the long German /e/ is addressed in this connection.

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