In linguistics, open syllable lengthening is the process by which short vowels become long when in an open syllable. It occurs in many languages at a phonetic or allophonic level, where no meaningful distinction in length is made. However, as it became phonemic in many Germanic languages, it is especially significant there, both historically and in the modern languages.
Read more about Open Syllable Lengthening: Germanic Languages
Famous quotes containing the words open, syllable and/or lengthening:
“The first principle of a free society is an untrammeled flow of words in an open forum.”
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“The Brain is just the weight of God—
For—Heft them—Pound for Pound—
And they will differ—if they do—
As Syllable from Sound—”
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