Vowel Fission in Jaqaru

Abstract

Epenthetic vowels in loanwords in Jaqaru harmonize with a suffix ([axusni] garlic (poss.) < ajos) and otherwise a root vowel ([usu]). In four-syllable words, the second vowel optionally deletes. Here, the epenthetic vowel matches the underlying vowel of the root-final syllable: [axsni]. Contracted forms show apparent counterbleeding: harmony in the root precedes deletion. Even so, blocking of harmony with the suffix is not predicted. This paper analyzes epenthesis as root-vowel fission driven by a constraint requiring vowel-final roots. Under contraction, suffix-triggered harmony is blocked by existential identity (Struijke 2000). This both obviates counterbleeding and improves on its predictions.