Abstract
English historical linguistics has been characterised by a strong focus on changes that affected the vowel system (such as the Great Vowel Shift). In contrast, the consonantal system has been considered as more stable and changes in individual consonants or groups of consonants have been neglected. This is illustrated by Finegan (1990: 78, 80), who points out that the diachronic development of English was primarily one of vowel rather than consonant change:
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 2005 Daniel Schreier
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Schreier, D. (2005). Introduction. In: Consonant Change in English Worldwide. Palgrave Studies in Language History and Language Change. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230513327_1
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230513327_1
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-54684-8
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-51332-7
eBook Packages: Palgrave Language & Linguistics CollectionEducation (R0)