Keywords

Uto-Aztecan, Numic, phonological change, lexical classes, consonant gradation

Abstract

The Numic (Uto-Aztecan) languages are well known for consonant gradation, which each language shows to some degree. Three consonantal series have been reconstructed for Proto-Numic: Geminating, Nasalizing, and Spirantizing. The Central Numic languages Timbisha, Shoshoni, and Comanche have preserved these three consonantal series and added a fourth, Aspirating. The Aspirating series is historically derived from the Geminating series, but it is synchronically distinct from it. On the basis of verb class behavior in Central Numic, we show that the Central Numic Aspirated series is a straight forward consequence of Proto-Uto-Aztecan stress patterns as reflected in pre-Proto-Central Numic.

Original Publication Citation

2005.“Preaspiration and Gemination inCentral Numic.” (with Wick R. Miller and John E. McLaughlin). International Journal of American Linguistics 71.4, pp 413-444.