Low Vowel ˝Lengthening˝ in Hungarian

Abstract

This paper examined the topic of Low Vowel Lengthening in Hungarian, which is a term describing the short-long alternation that low vowels show. After an introduction of the vowel system and phonotactics of the language, two main criteria were identified that an analysis of LVL has to satisfy: (i) being able to explain suffixes that do not trigger LVL, yet interact with the stem and (ii) being a close-fitting model for other phenomena related to linking vowels, as well (the need for the latter rose from a functional motivation). From the two possible groups of analyses (lengthening and shortening approaches), it was lengthening that proved to be a more suitable account for the phenomena. Examples of both were given with explanation and evaluation on the two criteria. Finally, the empty-V approach suggested in this paper was also tested against these criteria.