Shortening and Lengthening

Definition

Lengthening is when a short segment becomes longer. Shortening is when a long segment becomes long (Zsiga, 2013, p. 244).

Examples

Secwepemctsin: /nn/ is shortened to /n/ (and usually also vocalized). This is demonstrated in the following:

• /xʷík’-n-t-en/ ~ /xʷík’-n-n/ (/xʷík’e/ ‘I cut it‘) (Gibsons, 1973. p. 18).