The Universal Atlas of Phonetic Evolution
Back to Matrix [z] → [n] Edit this Data

[n]→[z]Certainty: 5/5Commonality: 3/5

Alveolar nasal to Voiced alveolar fricative

The phonetic transformation from the alveolar nasal /n/ to the voiced alveolar fricative /z/ is a documented historical shift that involves both denasalization and fricativization. This process entails the loss of nasality characteristic of /n/ and the development of turbulent airflow, resulting in the fricative /z/. Such changes often occur in specific phonetic environments, frequently as part of broader lenition processes.

Phonetic Effects

Denasalization, Lenition, Fricativization

Language Examples

n→z— In Pre-Paha, a medial *-n- denasalized and lenited to -z- before a presyllable that was subsequently lost.
n→z— An initial *CV-n- in Proto-Kra developed into z- in Qiaoshang.

Related Transformations

More Tai-Kadai Shifts

Sources & References

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