Triphthong

A Triphthong (from Greek τρίφθογγος, tri 'three' and phthóngos "Loud" ) is a triple volume of three vowel sounds, for example, [ jaw ], as in the interjection "meow ". But is between two vowels a syllable boundary ( so it's not a Triphthong ), then one speaks of a vowel clash or hiatus (such as in "Construction -er" ).

Form

A Triphthong forms exactly one syllable, which reduces the number of possible combinations. Thus, practically pronounceable triphthongs ( rather, with the semi-vowels [w ] and [ j] ) with only the sounds of "u" and "i" are formed.

In the German

Many Triphtonge have been simplified in the course of language history to diphthongs or simple vowels. In dialects of the German language area, they are more frequently than in the three standard varieties Federal German, Austrian German and Swiss German high.

Examples

• In standard German

• In German dialects

An example of the linguistic history development of Triphthongen in German-speaking countries are the northern and western North Bairische and influenced North bavarian, eastern Oberostfränkische where triphthongs have arisen from the combination of former long vowels or diphthongs of Middle High German period and the consonant r by diphthongization and r- vocalization. Typical examples are (each with dialect word, IPA transcription, standard German translation and Middle High German phonetics ):

• In Amrumer Frisian ( Öömrang )

• In Danish

• In standard English

• In Cockneyenglischen

• In Spanish

• In Polish

• In Mandarin (and other Chinese languages)