Compensatory Lengthening

Abstract

Compensatory lengthening is the lengthening of one segment, referred to here as the “target,” in compensation for the loss or reduction of another, referred to here as the “trigger” (see also chapter 37: geminates and chapter 20: the representation of vowel length ). The segments are usually in close proximity to one another – either adjacent or in adjacent syllables. Theoretically, a consonant can be lengthened in compensation for the loss or reduction of another consonant or vowel, and a vowel can be lengthened in compensation for the loss or reduction of another vowel or consonant. In fact, an argument can be made that all types of compensatory lengthening exist, although as Table 64.1 indicates, some types are far more common than others. There is also a problem in the classification of some types as compensatory lengthening proper rather than as instantiations of other processes, such as total assimilation (2A, B) or rhythmic lengthening (1D).