Re: USAGE: Thorn vs Eth

#
# Christophe Grandsire scripsit:
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# > Well, the simple fact that there isn't any minimal pair between /T/ and /D/,
#
# A few: "thigh" vs. "thy" is the one usually given.  But certainly the
# functional load is very low, as shown by this model:
#

Though I think that "thy" isn't a very good example, as I don't hear
that word spoken ever. (maybe in some british dialects I don't know about?)
But I think even still, I'm under the impression that even Linguistically
impaired english speakers percieve a difference between /T/ and /D/, in
initial and final positions, even without functional minimal pairs.

# Initial "th" is /D/ in closed-class words only;
#

Or maybe words of Norse origin? Either works, I guess, though I don't know
the etymology of "though". (akin to icelandic /ToU/ ?)

# Intervocalic "th" is /D/ except in words of Greek origin;
#
# Final "th" is /D/ if a silent "e" follows, and in some pron. of "with";
#

I think the "with" example may be a result of the first point...

"with it" [wID It]...  but "with hat" [wIT h&t]


# All other "th" is /T/.
#
# (Anglophones, I'd be interested to hear of exceptions.)
#

without [wITaUt]

-tim

http://www.zece.com/conlang/

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