Q. [ŋ] assimilated to following [n] after [e], [a], [o]; [{eao}ŋn] > [{eao}nn]
In cases where velar nasal ñ [ŋ] survived before a dental nasal n, it likewise became dental so that eñn, añn, oñn > enn, ann, onn. Tolkien mentioned this in both Outline of Phonetic Development (OP1) from the 1940s and the Outline of Phonology (OP2) from the 1950s:
In early PQ ñn remained as in tekna “a letter” > teñna. But in TQ pronunciation this is represented by nn, a development that may be due to actual natural pronunciation in later classical PQ, since the spelling nn is also there frequently found ... But iñn > ín; uñn > un (OP1: PE19/43).
In Quenya dissimilation, by loss of nasality, occurred ... probably in iñn, uñn > ín, ún (via iʒn, uʒn?). The only assimilation was the comparatively late assimilation of eñn, añn, oñn > enn, ann, onn ... (OP2: PE19/98).
As indicated in these quotes, the combinations iñn, uñn were an exception to this rule, with the ñ vanishing with compensatory lengthening to produce ín, ún. The OP1 quote indicates this change took place in late Parmaquesta [PQ]. Aside from the example ᴹQ. tenna “letter” given above, this sound change can also be seen in:
This sound change was mentioned in other contexts, each indicating it was a relatively recent phonetic development:
In TQ ñn > nn, hence 5{ often appears = g5. (Feanorian Alphabet, 1940s, PE22/149).
ŋn = ŋn remaining, but later > nn (phonetic notes from the 1960s, PE22/149).
References ✧ PE19/96, 98; PE22/149
Order (02800)
After | 00200 | [ŋ] vanished between [i], [u] and [n] with compensatory lengthening |
Phonetic Rule Elements
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✧ PE19/96 (eŋ > en; before n); PE19/98 (eñn > enn) |
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✧ PE19/96 (aŋ > an; before n); PE19/98 (añn > ann); PE22/149 (ŋn > nn; later) |
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✧ PE19/96 (oŋ > on; before n); PE19/98 (oñn > onn) |
Phonetic Rule Examples
laŋna > lanna | aŋn > ann | ✶laŋna > Q. lanna | ✧ PE17/65 |
laŋna > lanna | aŋn > ann | √LAŊ > Q. lanna | ✧ PE17/65 |
eŋna > enna | eŋn > enn | ✶eñna > enna > Q. éna | ✧ PE19/97 |
teŋna > tenna | eŋn > enn | √TEÑ > Q. tenna | ✧ PE19/97 |
ᴹQ. [ŋn] assimilated to following [n] after [e], [a], [o]; [{eao}ŋn] > [{eao}nn]
References ✧ PE19/43, 47; PE22/45
Variations
Related
Phonetic Rule Elements
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> |
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✧ PE19/50 (ñn > nn; later) |
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> |
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Phonetic Rule Examples
teŋna > tenna | eŋn > enn | ✶teknā > Q. tenna | ✧ PE19/86 |
teŋna > tenna | eŋn > enn | ᴹ✶tekna > ᴹQ. teñna | ✧ PE19/43 |