[n]→[l]Certainty: 5/5Commonality: 3/5
Alveolar nasal to Alveolar lateral approximant
The shift from a nasal [n] to a lateral [l] is a form of denasalization or lateralization. This is frequently observed in East Asian languages and occasionally in Romance languages through liquid-nasal confusion.
Phonetic Effects
Denasalization, Lateralization
Language Examples
initial [n]→[l]— In certain phonological positions or historical stages, initial [n] has shifted to [l] or been dropped (n-initial law).
[n]→[l]— Historical confusion and shift between liquids and nasals in specific lexemes.
Related Transformations
More Romance Shifts
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