Deletion

Definition

A segment is deleted from an existing string of sounds; this is sometimes used to follow phonotactic restraints of a language instead of epenthesis (Zsiga, 2013 , p. 243).

Examples

Hul’q’umi’num’: a schwa may be lost when following a nasal consonant, or be heard as a part of the preceding vowel. This is exemplified in the following:

• /tə nəmén/ ~ /tən mén/ ‘my father‘ (Suttles, 2003).

Secwepemctsin: /t/ is deleted before coronal stops (/c’/). This is exemplified in the following examples

• /ʔest-cék’/ ~ /ʔescék’/ ‘squirrel‘ (Gibsons, 1973, p. 15).