Variation in the Fataluku voiced coronal (j)

Abstract

Abstract This paper represents the first variationist investigation of the voiced coronal phone (j) in Fataluku, a Papuan language of Timor-Leste. Here, we implement the Boruta algorithm at the front end of our analysis pipeline to quantify predictor importance, then use classification trees and mixed-effects regression to disentangle observed effects. Analysis suggests that word position is highly predictive of (j) realization, with glides more likely word-medially and obstruents word-initially. Region is an important predictor word-medially; speakers in Tutuala show nearly categorical [j], indicating strong allophony. Outside of Tutuala, medial tokens vary according to gender and education; among speakers with limited formal education, men show higher rates of glides than women, but speakers with secondary education exhibit higher obstruent rates and no gender differences. Initial tokens, by contrast, are undergoing a change in progress towards affricate realizations. We interpret these findings in the context of locally-specific conceptions of place for Fataluku people in Timor-Leste, particularly that of Tutuala.