Tardunud

Tardunud is a term primarily used in Estonian linguistics. It refers to a phenomenon where a short vowel in a closed syllable is lengthened. This lengthening is not the same as a long vowel that existed historically. Instead, it's a result of the syllable structure changing over time, typically through the loss of a final consonant or the shortening of a following vowel. This process is a distinctive feature of the Estonian language, contributing to its unique phonetic landscape.

The concept of tardunud is closely related to Estonian vowel gradation, a system of alternations in vowels that affects word forms. While vowel gradation involves a more complex set of changes, tardunud specifically addresses the lengthening of short vowels in specific syllable contexts. Understanding tardunud is crucial for accurate pronunciation and for analyzing the historical development of Estonian vocabulary. It helps explain why certain words have a longer vowel sound than would be predicted by standard orthographic rules. The term itself is Estonian, directly translating to "slowed down" or "delayed," which aptly describes the lengthening effect on the vowel sound.