Alexander, Gerda I.
Fortis and Lenis in Germanic

This study examines the Germanic consonant system and its changes as characterized by the contrast of fortis-lenis as primary distinctive feature of the consonant system. It is proposed to view the Germanic consonant shift as the result of lenition in Gmc. /b d g f s/ and of strengthening of articulation in Gmc. /p t k/. Voice and spirantization are characteristic of the lenis members, whereas voicelessness and extraduration are characteristic of fortis. This concept supplies not only a simpler and more plausible development into the daughter languages, but also provides a common element in the explanation of the First and Second Sound Shift. 183 Seiten, broschiert (Europäische Hochschulschriften. Reihe I: Deutsche Sprache und Literatur; Band 734/American University Studies. Series I: Germanic Languages and Literature; Vol. 18/Peter Lang Verlag 1983) Mängelexemplar