Hud language
Hud, a daughter language of Proto-Alfnehr, is a distinct dialect spoken predominantly in the mountainous regions of Eastern Ausalon. Known for its intricate morphological structure and the extensive use of auxiliary verbs, Hud provides a unique glimpse into the linguistic evolution of the region.
Phonological Evolution
Hud is characterized by several notable phonetic shifts from its Proto-Alfnahr roots. Most prominently, it underwent a complete loss of word-final vowels, a characteristic feature setting it apart from its sibling languages. Other key shifts include the transformation of front vowels /i/, /e/ to /y/, /ø/ in the context of /w/, and the evolution of voiced stops /b/, /d/, /g/ to fricatives /v/, /ð/, /ɣ/ in between vowels.
Morphosyntactic Features
The morphosyntactic features of Hud reflect its shift towards a more analytic structure. This language has developed a unique verb tense-aspect system largely indicated through auxiliary verbs. Furthermore, Hud saw the replacement of final short vowels with /i/, adding to the unique sound of the language.
Geographical Distribution
Nestled in the mountains of Eastern Ausalon, the Hud-speaking population resides primarily in remote, high-altitude areas. The geographical isolation has fostered the development and preservation of Hud's unique linguistic features.
Cultural Significance
The Hud language is an integral part of the region's cultural identity. It serves not just as a medium of communication, but also as a symbol of the community's rich history and tradition. The preservation and study of the Hud language are crucial to understanding the cultural and linguistic evolution of Eastern Ausalon.
Sound Changes
- Loss of word-final vowels. (/V# > ∅/)
- Shift of /i/, /u/ to /j/, /w/ before another vowel. (/iV/, /uV/ > /jV/, /wV/)
- Unstressed /e/, /o/ merge to /a/ in all positions. (/e/, /o/ > /a/ unstressed)
- Syllable-final /s/, /z/ are lost. (/sC/, /zC/ > /C/)
- Voiced stops /b/, /d/, /g/ shift to fricatives /v/, /ð/, /ɣ/ between vowels. (/VbV/, /VdV/, /VgV/ > /VvV/, /VðV/, /VɣV/)
- Nasals /m/, /n/ are lost before fricatives. (/mF/, /nF/ > /F/)
- Shift of /k/ to /ʃ/ before /i/. (/ki/ > /ʃi/)
- Intervocalic /h/ is lost. (/VhV/ > /VV/)
- Word-initial /h/ shifts to /ʔ/. (/h/ > /ʔ/ word-initial)
- Unvoiced plosives /p/, /t/, /k/ are voiced to /b/, /d/, /g/ between vowels. (/VpV/, /VtV/, /VkV/ > /VbV/, /VdV/, /VgV/)
- Front vowels /i/, /e/ shift to /y/, /ø/ before and after /w/. (/wi/, /ew/, /we/, /iw/ > /wy/, /øw/, /wø/, /yw/)
- Stress shifts to the first syllable.
- Word-final /r/ is lost. (/r#/ > ∅/)
- Long vowels shorten in closed syllables. (/V:C/ > /VC/)
- Final short /a/ shifts to /i/. (/a#/ > /i#/)
Root Languages
Spoken by