Magainnihald

Magainnihald is a term used in Icelandic linguistics. It refers to the phenomenon where a vowel in a word undergoes a change in its sound quality, often becoming more open or a diphthong, due to the influence of a following vowel in a subsequent syllable. This process is particularly evident in Old Icelandic and has had a lasting impact on the evolution of the Icelandic language.

The specific vowels involved and the nature of the change can vary. For instance, short front vowels might become longer or shift towards a back vowel sound. The preceding consonant can also play a role in determining the outcome of the magainnihald. This linguistic process is a key aspect of understanding the historical development of Icelandic phonology and morphology.

Scholars study magainnihald through comparative linguistics, examining its presence and effects in different stages of the Icelandic language and its relation to similar phenomena in other Germanic languages. Its analysis helps reconstruct older pronunciations and trace the diachronic changes that have shaped modern Icelandic. The term itself is derived from Old Norse words related to "might" or "power" and "holding," suggesting the idea of a vowel's sound being held or influenced.