THE PALATALIZATION OF /n/ IN MANAUS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE SYLLABLE MODEL OF NON-LINEAR PHONOLOGY

ABSTRACT This paper aims to present the palatalization of /n/, a phonological variation registered in Rodrigues (2017), under the perspective of the syllable model of non-linear phonology. Upon discussing the theoretical frameworks that underlie the model, anchored in Kahn (1976), Clements & Keyser (1983), Silva (2013) among others, this study aimed to investigate the marks left by variants on the syllabic structure of words and to reflect on the possible clues in each structure that justify the variable processes of the variant (nɪ̯). As a result, based on a general analysis, the primary reason for these sound changes is the reorganization of syllables. This is mainly because the beginning sound of the last syllable becomes simpler. The process also reverses a pattern where stress falls on the third-to-last syllable in a word, a change that happens when sounds are completely deleted or turned into palatal sounds. However, this doesn’t include sound changes caused by secondary palatalization. Key words: Palatalization. Syllable Model. Non-linear phonology.