[ŋ]→[l]Certainty: 4/5Commonality: 2/5
Velar nasal to Alveolar lateral approximant
The transformation of a velar nasal (ŋ) into an alveolar lateral approximant (l) involves a significant shift in both the place and manner of articulation. This sound change entails the loss of nasality (denasalization), a move from a velar (back of the mouth) to an alveolar (ridge behind teeth) place of articulation, and a change from a nasal stop to a lateral approximant. While not a universally common shift, it is attested in specific linguistic contexts, demonstrating the diverse pathways of phonetic evolution.
Phonetic Effects
Denasalization, Lateralization, Alveolarization, Manner Shift, Place Shift
Language Examples
*ŋ-marker→/li/— The nominal marker /li/ in the Yichun language is argued to be the result of a historical sound change from an earlier velar nasal (ŋ).
Related Transformations
More Sinitic Shifts
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