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:
“It’s fairly obvious that American education is a cultural flop. Americans are not a well-educated people culturally, and their vocational education often has to be learned all over again after they leave school and college. On the other hand, they have open quick minds and if their education has little sharp positive value, it has not the stultifying effects of a more rigid training.”
—Raymond Chandler (1888–1959)
“It was a purely wild and primitive American sound, as much as the barking of a chickaree, and I could not understand a syllable of it.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“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)