Metathesis

Definition

Metathesis is when two segments switch order (Zsiga, 2013, p. 244).

Examples:

Hul’q’umi’num’: metathesis of non-labial resonant and schwa. Some words with a lengthened vowel will be followed by a resonant that is not /m/ or /w/. For example, /CAR/ verb roots which take the transitive /-ət/ suffix demonstrate metathesis.

• /ʎ’él/ ‘get stuck’ becomes /ʎ’é.lt/ ‘stick it on, apply it‘ (Suttles, 2003, p. 17)