Vowel Duration Issue in Civili

Abstract

The main goal of this article is to define the problem of vowel duration in Civili (H. 12a). It shows that the so- called Civili vowel-length issue desperately needs to be re-examined, because previous works on the sound system of this language hardly explain a number of phonological phenomena, such as vowel lengthening, on the basis of data at hand. Demonstrating the problem in question, the author first reviews previous works that all identify a vowel lengthening in Civili. The complexity of the phenomenon is shown by observing differences between analyses and difficulties the different phonologists came up against. The problem is also shown through weaknesses in the results of each analysis. This in turn shows more aspects of the vowel duration issue, and leads the author to make a clear distinction between vowel length and vowel lengthening that can both be regarded as vowel duration only. Finally, the article suggests a possible way forward through an experimental approach towards the Civili sound system.