The Phonetics of r-Deletion in Samothraki Greek

Abstract

Several accounts of the typologically unusual compensatory lengthening through the loss of the onset r in Samothraki Greek exist in the literature. However, none of these accounts take into consideration the precise phonetic detail of r-deletion and vowel lengthening in the language. This paper addresses this shortcoming by providing a phonetic analysis of Samothraki Greek compensatory lengthening through r-deletion. Our data show that vowels resulting from r-deletion are categorically longer than vowels not involving r-deletion. Moreover, there is no trace of r in the formant structure of vowels from compensatory lengthening. Finally, in contexts that do not allow for r-deletion, the majority of r productions are taps, most of which are accompanied by a vocoid. A new account of r-deletion in Samothraki Greek is proposed that takes into consideration the articulatory makeup of the r. The implications of this proposal for existing phonological accounts are discussed.