Quantity and Prosodic Asymmetries in Alemannic: Synchronic and Diachonic Perspectives : Synchronic and Diachronic Perspectives

The comprehensive analysis of the segmental and metrical system of the Swiss German dialect of Thurgovian provides a significant contribution to both phonetic and phonological theory. Based on the author's original fieldwork and experimental investigations, it is the first in-depth study of this area, tracing it back also to its Old High German roots, particularly that of the dialect of Notker. Quantity alternations - notably word-initial long/short consonantal alternations - asymmetric neutralization of phonetic-phonological contrasts, stress and weight are most prominent among the theoretical issues on which Thurgovian phonology is brought to bear. Phonology and Phonetics have had a tumultuous, if not always unequivocal, relationship in the past. This relationship between natural partners is now being invigorated from both sides and novel research techniques and methodologies are fostering new interdisciplinary questions. Consequently, a major issue today is whether it is necessary to draw a line between phonology and phonetics at all. This series aims to stabilize and strengthen the rapport and, by facing the big challenges, to ensure that phonetically grounded phonology and phonologically informed phonetics will have a sound future. The series is intended as a forum for the interaction of phonology and phonetics within linguistics. It welcomes joint phonological-phonetic ventures as well as initiatives from either discipline, as long as they are made with a view of the other. To discuss your book idea or submit a proposal, please contact Natalie Fecher. Frontmatter 1 Contents 5 Preface 9 Introduction 13 Chapter 1. Theoretical background and assumptions 21 Chapter 2. The synchronic sound system of Thurgovian 53 Chapter 3. The Germanic legacy 69 Chapter 4. Geminates: Phonetic evidence 109 Chapter 5. Weight and stress patterns 181 Conclusion 231 Backmatter 237 Biographical note: Astrid Kraehenmann teaches at the University of Konstanz, Germany