Phonetic processes in Middle English (system of consonants)
English
consonants were on the whole far more stable than vowels. A large
number of consonants have probably remained unchanged through all
historical periods. Thus we can assume that the sonorants [m, n, l],
plosives [p, b, t, d] and also [k, g] in most positions have not been
subjected to any noticeable changes. The most important developments
in the history of English consonants were the growth of new sets of
sounds, - affricates and sibilants.
Growth
of sibilants and affricates
(see table)
In
OE there were no affricates and no sibilants, except [s, z]. the new
type of consonants developed from OE palatal plosives [k’, g’],
which had split from the corresponding velar plosives [k] and [g],
and also from the consonant cluster [sk’]. The three new phonemes
which arose from these sources were [t∫], [dз]
and [∫]. In Early ME they began to be indicated by special letters
and digraphs, which came into use mainly under the influence of the
French scribal tradition – ch,
tch, g, dg, sh, ssh, sch. As
a result of these changes – and also as a result of the
vocalization of [γ] – the consonant system in Late ME was in some
respects different from the OE system.
