Abstract
It is shown that diphthongization of the high vowels /i:/, /u:/ versus non-diphthongization of these vowels gives rise to a dichotomy in the English sound system with profound effects throughout that system. These effects are demonstrated in the domains of absolute and relative duration, relative speed; the decelerating/accelerating effects of consonants on changes of rate of delivery and the effects of changes in the time/speed and physiological dimensions on the duration of consonants. The articulation of /i:/, /u:/ is analyzed, and it is hypothesized that diphthongization of these vowels may start a fresh evolutionary cycle as (perhaps) it did in the late Middle Ages.
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