ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-133-002 · ATLAS 251

Lenition

The softening of a consonant in terms of articulation strength or degree of closure.

Explanation

The softening of a consonant in terms of articulation strength or degree of closure. A sound loses resistance and becomes more permeable in the flow of speech.

Example

A stop consonant develops into a fricative between vowels.

Counterexample

Speaking more softly alone does not constitute systematic lenition.

Distinction

Distinguishing from fortition: Speaking more softly alone is not systematic lenition.

Effect on thought and perception

A sound loses resistance and becomes more permeable in the speech stream.

Resonance

Lenition makes a directed relationship perceptible: A sound loses resistance and becomes more permeable to the speech stream.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Lenition“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-133-002. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-133-002

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-133-002

The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.