Erforrássá

Erforrássá is a hypothetical term used in speculative linguistics to describe a theoretical phenomenon of language evolution. It posits a scenario where a language, instead of undergoing gradual phonetic shifts over time, experiences a sudden and widespread restructuring of its sound system. This restructuring is theorized to occur due to a confluence of external factors, such as prolonged and intense contact with a structurally different language, or a significant shift in the cognitive processing of speech within a population. The term itself is a neologism, not found in any established linguistic literature, and its conceptual basis remains purely theoretical.

The core idea behind erforrássá is the disruption of the normal, incremental sound changes that characterize language drift. Instead of a slow evolution, erforrássá suggests a rapid, almost revolutionary, alteration. This could involve a complete overhaul of phonemic inventories, significant changes in phonotactic rules (how sounds can be combined), or even the introduction of entirely new sound categories. Linguists who engage with this theoretical concept, even speculatively, often consider the potential triggers and the rapid diffusion mechanisms that would be necessary for such a widespread and sudden linguistic transformation. It is important to note that erforrássá is a thought experiment and not a documented linguistic event.