The Universal Atlas of Phonetic Evolution
Back to Matrix [au] → [ai] Edit this Data

[ai]→[au]Certainty: 2/5Commonality: 2/5

Diphthong ai to Diphthong au

The phonetic transformation from the diphthong /ai/ to /au/ is an attested, albeit localized, sound change primarily observed in the historical evolution of certain Walloon phonetic endings, particularly as they adapted to French orthographic and phonological norms. This shift involves a change in the articulation of the diphthong's second element.

Phonetic Effects

Backing, Rounding

Language Examples

Moray→Moreau— Observed in the gallicization of Walloon surnames, where phonetic endings like 'ai' shifted to 'au' or 'eau' to conform to French norms.

Related Transformations

More Backing Shifts

Sources & References

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