Metathesis in the History of English Cover Image

Metathesis in the History of English
Metathesis in the History of English

Author(s): Jerzy Wójcik
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies
Published by: Towarzystwo Naukowe KUL & Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II
Keywords: history of English; metathesis; phonology

Summary/Abstract: The paper provides an analysis of two types of metathesis involving the liquid r in the history of English. The two kinds of metathesis discussed appear to employ two opposing tendencies – to eliminate a TR cluster and replace it with a RT combination, as in brid bird and to eliminate a RT cluster creating a TR sequence instead, as in byrht bryht. The most important finding of the paper is that, despite the apparent incompatibility of the opposing tendencies visible in the English r metathesis, the change can be viewed as resulting from the weakening of the licensing potential of nuclear positions in the history of English. This aspect of the analysis allows us to place metathesis among other frequently attested English historical developments whose primary motivation lies in the weakening of nuclei.

  • Issue Year: 60/2012
  • Issue No: 05
  • Page Range: 45-63
  • Page Count: 19
  • Language: English