epenthesis
1
9.9
- noun
- /ɪˈpɛnθəsɪs/
- Specialized
- Smit (1993b) noted that although schwa epenthesis is common for word-initial clusters consisting of a consonant followed by an /r/ or /l/, it is rare for word-initial /s/+ stop clusters.
- glide epenthesis
Examples
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* Epenthesis: the insertion of a vowel or a consonant in the target form, for example, vretro instead of vetro for glass.
Academic text (2012) -
One can make a further distinction, within the gradual approach, between glide epenthesis and pseudo-metathesis.
Academic text (2002) -
Before the vocalic sequence /e/ could contract, the form suffered epenthesis of yod, yielding OSp. veyendo.
Academic text (2001) -
The evidence reviewed above suggests that errors involving cluster substitution and vowel epenthesis are more advanced stages in the development of clusters than the error pattern of cluster reduction.
Academic text (2015) -
This led Smit (1993b) to suggest that schwa epenthesis may represent a lengthened transition into the liquid rather than true vowel insertion.
Academic text (2015) -
The process of epenthesis helps speakers clarify difficult pronunciations by adding a vowel, like when 'athlete' is pronounced as 'ath-elete'.
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In some dialects, epenthesis occurs when people insert a vowel in the middle of a word, making it easier to pronounce, as in 'drawin' for 'drawing'.
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Some speakers use epenthesis to add a vowel sound, turning 'film' into 'filum' to simplify the word's pronunciation.
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word epenthesis comes from Greek parts epi- 'in' and -thesis 'putting', like in the word thesis. So epenthesis is literally 'putting in' a sound, adding a vowel or consonant inside a word to make it easier to say.