The Vowel shift reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Vowel shift

A vowel shift is a systematic change in the pronunciation of the vowel sounds of a language.

The best-known example in the English language is the Great Vowel Shift, which began in the 15th century.

Other examples of ongoing vowel shifts are the Southern Vowel Shift in the southern United States or the Northern cities vowel shift in Michigan, Chicago, and parts of upstate New York.

The Greek language also underwent a vowel shift near the beginning of the Common Era.

A vowel shift can involve a merger of two previously different sounds, or it can be a chain shift, where vowels play "musical chairs".

External link

• A page on the Southern Vowel Shift

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