Re: Brithenig diphthongs (was: Yiddish influences in Brithenig)

[Andrew Smith <hobbit@mail.earthlight.co.nz>]

On Tue, 5 May 1998, Raymond A. Brown wrote:

> I note that although {ei} occurs in Brithenig, {ow} apparently does not.
>
Mostly {ow} has disappeared from the language, historically the diphthong
shifts, often to {ew}, but to {oe} in certain cases.  It is influenced by
my pronunciation of English long O as a diphthong.
 
> I'm a bit puzzled on a couple of points, however (it may be my info is out
> of date).
> 
> 1) In my downloaded copy of Brithenig I have:
> "iw,
>  yw   pronounced as in new (English pronunciation not American)"
> 
> In south Walian English 'new' is pronounced [niw], and the diphthong [iw]
> is common in Welsh.  What's more, I find this sound _easy_ whereas I find
> [uj] (which Welsh & Brithenig both have) difficult.  So I'm rather
> surprised that Brithenig {iw}, {yw} is not [iw].
>
I misread the source material on the pronunciation of this diphthong.  I
shall correct it.
 
> 2) In my copy {ae} is shown as identical with {ai} and {oe} with {oi} (this
> is not the case in Welsh except among those to whom Welsh is a 2nd - or
> 3rd, 4th etc - language).  Is this intended?  If so, why does Brithening
> have this double representation for each diphthong?
> 
It was 'convenient' to blur this distinction.  My background reading led
me to believe that even some South Walian speakers to not maintain this
distinction, so I let it pass.  I'll have to go back and read up on the
e-final diphthongs now.

Just when I think my update is ready, something else needs to be
corrected.  I know how the Prophet Zarquon feels!  But thank you for your
comments.

- andrew.

Andrew Smith                                  <hobbit@earthlight.co.nz>

MAN, despite his artistic pretensions, his sophistication, and his many
accomplishments; still owes his existence to a six-inch layer of topsoil
and the fact that it rains.
							   - Anonymous