Coalescence

Definition

Coalescence is similar to assimilation. It is the merging of two, separate segments into a single segment. The new segment shares properties from both of the merged segments (Zsiga, 2013, p. 238).

Examples

Hul’q’umi’num’: Suttles (2003) discusses several cases of coalescence, including the example given below (p. 18).

In this example, the root /x̌ʷí.m/ becomes /x̌ʷəm/ as a result of the /-əm/ intransitive suffix being attached. This demonstrates the [í] and [ə] coalescing into one sound.