The Genesis of Spanish /?/: A Revised Model

This article proposes a revised model of the genesis Castilian Spanish /?/, based on (i) precise tracking across Late Middle Ages orthographical d ? z change in preconsonantal coda position and (ii) potential for auditory indeterminacy between denti-alveolar variants [s] non-sibilant [?]. According to findings, two phonemes, /?/ /ð/, are likely have come into existence by early 1500s, merger at expense /ð/ occurring shortly thereafter. effectively inverts normally assumed chronology, according which devoicing preceded indeed was implicated /?/. The chronology weakens teleological analysis treats its terms functionally motivated widening articulatory distance similar-sounding sibilants. Instead, emergence is argued be natural reflex permeability type [?], with analogous evolutions outside domain Spanish. As part this overall approach, assumes dissibilation (understood as converse assibilation) fundamental process rather than interdentalization.