Lenition

Lenition is an Initial Consonant Mutation which "softens" the sound of the first consonant in a word. It is used to mark certain morphological contrasts and to mark |inflection. It also inaccurately known as aspiration (which is the term used for a phonological phenomenon involving a burst of air). we will use the more correct term here.

Orthographic Changes

For most letters, lenition is indicated by putting an <h> after the first consonant in the word. For example, when the word caora "sheep" follows the feminine article a' , it is lenited and is written a' chaora.

l,n,r which are subject to lenition phonologically (see below) show no orthographic change.

Phonological Changes

Initial <sp>, <st>, <sg>, and sometimes <sn> (depending upon the dialect) do not undergo lenition.

Lenition Triggers

• certain articles:
• intensifiers: glè, ro

See Also

• Initial Consonant Mutations
• Initial Consonant Mutation (definition)
• Nasalization