Re: hello?

Danny Wier wrote:
>
[...]
>
> By the way, how many natlang examples can be found of the shift n > l?
> I can think of Afro-Asiatic, where Egyptian n often corresponds to
> Semitic l, and maybe cases in Latin where there's assimilation.  I'm
> asking because I just revised the rules of mutation of Tech m, n, N
> (retroflex n), n~ (palatal n), and ng.  They are nasal versions of w, l,
> r, y, and H (voiced h) respectively.
>
Welcome back Danny!  I've gone into lurk mode recently, but to show my
joy at your return - I'm deigning to answer your question :)

The shift n > l is an ancient and well-known phenomenon in my part of
the world (Israel/Palestine in all their past, present and future
names).

For example, in Jerusalem there is a neighborhood called MalHa.  This is
the name of the Arab village that stood on that site for many centuries.
The name comes from the Biblical place name ManaHat, with the n > l
shift (as well as the t > a shift at the end of feminine nouns).

Another example: the Arab village of Sulam in the north of Israel stands
on the site of the Biblical town(?) of Shunam - here there is a sh > s
shift, as well as n > l.

I think there may be an example of the same phenomenon in the
relationship between classical and spoken Arabic - I'm looking for an
example and if I find one I'll let you know.


        Shaul Vardi
















>
> Thanks, and glad to have me back (don't be vain Danny)...
>
> Danny
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