Τροπὴ τοῦ πλευρικοῦ οὐρανικοῦ λ εἰς οὐρανικὸ j στὸ ἰκαριακὸ ἰδίωμα

Abstract

The author treats the evolution of the lateral palatal sound /l/ to palatal /j/ in the variety of Icaria, a phenomenon known also from other Greek islands (Sifnos, Kimolos, Samothrace, Crete) and other Greek speaking areas (Puglia, Calabria). In Ikaria this treatment is widespread. This is not an imported one, but a local feature, so we can speak about a local phonetic law. According to the author the evolution /l/ > /j/ in Ikaria dates to the last decades of the 19th c. or the beginnings of the 20th c. This conclusion is based on linguistic material (placenames and anthroponyms) and on bibliographical sources.