The Universal Atlas of Phonetic Evolution
Back to Matrix [dz] → [∅] Edit this Data

[∅]→[dz]Certainty: 4/5Commonality: 4/5

Empty sound / Zero to Voiced alveolar affricate

The emergence of the voiced alveolar affricate /dz/ from an empty sound, or zero, is a phenomenon primarily observed through epenthesis, where /dz/ is inserted to break up certain phonological sequences or to facilitate articulation between morphemes.

Phonetic Effects

Epenthesis, Fortition, Consonant Insertion

Language Examples

N-iganidz-a→ndziganidza— Epenthesis of /dz/ between a nasal prefix and a vowel-initial verb stem, meaning 'teach me'.
N-aayo→ndzaayo— Epenthesis of /dz/ between a nasal prefix and a vowel-initial noun stem, meaning 'heels'.

Related Transformations

More Bantu Shifts

Sources & References

Spotted a mistake or have a better example?

EchoDrift is community-driven. You can suggest a change directly through GitHub.

Propose an Edit on GitHub