ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-133-003 · ATLAS 251

Fortification

The strengthening of a consonant through a tighter closure or greater articulatory tension.

Explanation

The strengthening of a consonant through a tighter closure or greater articulatory tension. The sound gains resistance and marks its position more clearly.

Example

A fricative becomes a plosive in a specific context.

Counterexample

Mere stress on a word does not necessarily constitute fortification.

Distinction

Distinguishing from lenition: Mere stress on a word does not necessarily constitute fortition.

Effect on thought and perception

The sound gains resistance and marks its position more clearly.

Resonance

Fortition makes a directional relationship perceptible: The sound gains resistance and marks its position more clearly.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Fortification“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-133-003. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-133-003

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-133-003

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