Bebr Language
Bebr is a descendant language of Proto-Šabǧūl, and forms a part of the Proto-ʔināši language family. It is a significant language of the southwestern region of the continent Ausalon. Known for its expressive use of aspect and mood, Bebr stands out in its linguistic environment.
The language underwent a series of remarkable sound changes from Proto-Šabǧūl, resulting in its unique phonology. Noteworthy transformations include the monophthongization of diphthongs, the hardening of voiced fricatives, and the deletion of short unstressed vowels in non-initial syllables. One striking feature is the loss of the liquid /r/, which contributes to a peculiar vocalic quality to the language.
Bebr also developed a complex grammatical system. The verbal system is particularly intricate, marked by an extensive use of aspect and mood. These features allow for the expression of nuanced temporal and modal information, making Bebr an expressive language.
Despite its complexity, Bebr remains a vital part of the local culture, and efforts are underway to ensure its preservation and promotion. Its unique characteristics make it a valuable member of the Proto-ʔināši language family, adding to the linguistic diversity of the Ausalon continent.
Sound Changes
- Monophthongization: The diphthongs /ei/, /ou/ simplify to /i/, /u/.
- Voiced Fricative Hardening: The voiced fricatives /v/, /z/, /ž/, /ð/, /γ/, /ß/ harden to /b/, /d/, /ǧ/, /d/, /g/, /b/ respectively.
- Vowel Lengthening: Short vowels lengthen in open syllables.
- Loss of Unstressed Final Vowels: Unstressed final vowels are lost.
- Lenition of Stops: In intervocalic positions, /p/, /t/, /k/ lenite to /f/, /θ/, /x/ respectively.
- Deletion of Short Unstressed Vowels: Short unstressed vowels in non-initial syllables are deleted.
- Vowel Lowering: The high vowels /i/, /u/ lower to /e/, /o/ in unstressed syllables.
- Nasalization: Vowels before nasal consonants become nasalized.
- Final Consonant Devoicing: Final consonants are devoiced.
- Geminate Simplification: Consonant geminates simplify to single consonants.
- Epenthesis: A schwa /ǝ/ is inserted to break up consonant clusters of three or more.
- Loss of /r/: The liquid /r/ is lost, lengthening the preceding vowel.
- Vowel Raising: /æ/ raises to /e/ in stressed syllables.
- Post-nasal Voicing: Voiceless stops become voiced after nasal consonants.
- Nasal Assimilation: /n/ assimilates to the point of articulation of the following consonant.
Root Languages