1

Could you provide me with the general rule of both metathesis and epenthesis? I can write the rules regarding specific case in metathesis and epenthesis but I couldn't find out the general rule.

Improve this question
4
  • 1
    There are only specific rules. What do you even mean by "the general rule"?
    – user6726
    Dec 21, 2015 at 17:01
  • 2
    IIRC, SPE gives a formulation for metathesis, in just a brief note saying that transformational notation is required for this. (It's not very interesting.)
    – Greg Lee
    Dec 21, 2015 at 19:47
  • Would you say you can formulate a rule for the fact that there is Greek morf-e and Latin form-a?
    – rogermue
    Dec 27, 2015 at 13:57
  • Are you asking about English? Or are you looking for some "universal" rules?
    – fdb
    Apr 20, 2016 at 0:42

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

The 'general rule' might be that certain phonemes are difficult to say in sequence, so one either swaps them (metathesis) or inserts another (typically a vowel, epenthesis).

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    Or you could change one of the phonemes to a different phoneme; or you could delete one of the phonemes. There is a difference between a rule that performs a specific action, and the reason for there being such a rule.
    – user6726
    Jan 20, 2016 at 21:19

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.