[h]→[x]Certainty: 4/5Commonality: 2/5
Voiceless glottal fricative to Voiceless velar fricative
The shift from the voiceless glottal fricative [h] to the voiceless velar fricative [x] is a process of fortition known as buccalization. It involves moving the place of articulation from the larynx forward into the oral cavity, where the tongue dorsum creates a narrow constriction against the soft palate.
Phonetic Effects
Fortition, Buccalization
Language Examples
/h/ (weakened /x/)→[x]— Original /x/ weakened to [h] in most positions, but can undergo emphatic re-strengthening back to [x] or [χ].
historical *h→[x]— Theorized intermediate stage in the fortition of PIE *-s- to aspirated stops in Classical Armenian.
Related Transformations
More Romance Shifts
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