Centralization in Language Varieties of Kerman Province

Abstract

This study has been investigating the centralization process (a kind of lenition) in 15 variants of Kerman province as: Baft, Bardsir, Bam, Jiroft, Rabor, Rafsanjan, south Roudbar, Zarand, Sirjan, Shahrbabak, Kerman, Kahnouj, Golbaf, Gougher and Meymand according to the Generative Phonology. Given the extent of Kerman province and high diversity of its variants, some cities are different in pronunciation of some sounds. Even, some variants (Jirofti, Kahnouji and South Roudbar) are incomprehensible for other informants. Different pronunciation of one single word with a single meaning besides nuance difference in phonology caught the attention of the authors and their similarities and differences were studied and analyzed with regard to the centralization process. Most of the mentioned variants have glossary, poetical works and idioms. Besides, the authors have interviewed informants, two men and two women for each city. Some of the results are as follows: 1- In the variants of Kerman province just innately the short vowels /a, e, o/ change into central and non-round vowel. 2- The short vowels /a, e/ change into central and non-round vowel in the open syllable CV environment. 3- The short vowel /o/ changes to central, non-round vowel after non-grave, non-labial consonant in the content of the open syllable CV.

Keywords: Kerman variants, short vowel, centralization, lenition, syllable.