The Universal Atlas of Phonetic Evolution
Back to Matrix [u] → [ɣ] Edit this Data

[ɣ]→[u]Certainty: 4/5Commonality: 4/5

Voiced velar fricative to Close back rounded vowel

The transformation of the voiced velar fricative [ɣ] into the close back rounded vowel [u] is a documented historical sound change, notably occurring in the development of Old English into Middle English. This process, often termed vocalization, involves a consonant becoming more vowel-like, typically in specific phonetic environments.

Phonetic Effects

Vocalization, Lenition

Language Examples

sagu→sawe— The Old English voiced velar fricative /ɣ/ in 'sagu' vocalized to /u/ in the diphthong of Middle English 'sawe' after a back vowel.
boga→bowe— The Old English voiced velar fricative /ɣ/ in 'boga' vocalized to /u/ in the diphthong of Middle English 'bowe' after a back vowel.
lagu→lawe— The Old English voiced velar fricative /ɣ/ in 'lagu' vocalized to /u/ in the diphthong of Middle English 'lawe'.

Related Transformations

More Germanic Shifts

Sources & References

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