Internal structure of liquids : the history of liquid vocalization in English

Abstract

The aim of the paper is twofold: to explain the process of liquid vocalization in the history of English and some accompanying vocalic develop-ments and to explore the internal structure of liquids taking part in the process. In order to achieve the aim, we look at some historical processes in which the liquids are the leading actors. Thus, we discuss the historical liquid vocalization together with vowel developments in the pre-liquid position such as raising, lowering, lengthening or diphthongization. Moreover, we address the questions concerning the distribution and representation of liquids and we look at the inter-action of liquids with the preceding vowels. Finally, we provide the explanation for both the inconsistent behavior of the lateral in that it has survived only in certain clusters and the intimate relationship between the context and the process of liquid vocalization.