Abstract

Consonant co-occurrence in Georgian largely complies to phonological principles such as the SSP and the OCP. However, these principles are violated in #/m/C sequences, because the sonorant m can precede any consonant, without any restriction. This raises questions concerning the status of /m/: are these #/m/C sequences true clusters or are they secondary, for instance, the result of morphological derivation or analogy? We consider various types of evidence: 1) synchronic constraints on consonant co-occurrence; 2) comparative and dialectal data; 3) diachronic studies involving /m/C sequences; and 4) reduplication data. Based on the findings the paper argues that the /m/ in #/m/C sequences should be analysed as a prefix. Henceforth, /m/ and C in #/m/C sequences belong to different morphemes and do not form true clusters.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.