Definitions from the Web
Term: Apophony
Description:
Apophony, also known as alternation, is a linguistic phenomenon characterized by a change in vowel sounds within a word. It is commonly used in various languages to indicate grammatical inflections, form plurals, or differentiate between verb tenses. Apophony plays a crucial role in phonological patterns and adds depth and complexity to the structure of words.
Sample Sentences:
- English demonstrates apophony in its verb conjugations, such as the vowel changes in "sing" (present), "sang" (past), and "sung" (past participle).
- The plural form of "foot" with an "ee" sound as opposed to "feet" with an "ee" to "ih" shift showcases apophony in English.
- In some languages, like Arabic, apophony is used extensively to convey grammatical nuances and distinctions.
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