Re: IPA/SAMP question

In a message dated 11/13/01 11:32:46 AM, matrix14@HOME.COM writes:

<< I have a vowel in Eviendadhail that I've decided is halfway between /E/
('short e') and /e/ ('long a').  My question is, is there a symbol for
this? >>

    The only way the IPA chart deals with this is with arrows.  In other
words, if you really want to indicate that this thing is in the middle, you
use /E/ with an up arrow after it, or /e/ with a down arrow after it.  My
suggestion would be to decide on one symbol and then explain somewhere in
your phonology introduction that the sound is in between, and maybe show its
placement on the vowel space.  As to whether it sounds closer to /e/ or /E/,
well, that's up to you. :)  I don't know how you'd do it in SAMPA.

-David

"s&m raSalo SirejsatIm, spAjs Zi v&TIl dZaGagzaZA."
"If it keeps on rainin', the levee's going to break."
        --Led Zeppelin