Söeline

Söeline is a term primarily used in Estonian linguistics. It refers to a specific type of sound change or a phonological process where a vowel, often a short or unstressed one, undergoes a reduction or alteration in quality. This alteration can manifest as a shift towards a more central or even a schwa-like sound. The term is not a universally recognized phonetic or phonological term but rather a descriptive label applied within the analysis of Estonian phonology.

The phenomenon of söeline can be observed in various dialects of Estonian and sometimes in the standard language, particularly in rapid speech. It is often a natural consequence of articulatory economy, where vowels in less prominent positions are produced with less distinct articulation. The exact nature and extent of söeline vary depending on the specific vowel, its surrounding phonetic environment, and the dialectal background. Understanding söeline is important for accurate transcription and analysis of spoken Estonian.