Open Syllable Lengthening

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:

    I am Black because I come from the earth’s inside
    now take my word for jewel in the open light.
    Audre Lorde (b. 1934)

    Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow
    Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
    To the last syllable of recorded time,
    And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
    The way to dusty death.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

    When our two souls stand up erect and strong,
    Face to face, silent, drawing nigh and nigher,
    Until the lengthening wings break into fire
    Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–1861)