smýlení

Smýlení is a term primarily used in linguistics to describe the phonetic process where a voiceless consonant becomes voiced between vowels or at the beginning of a word followed by a vowel. This phenomenon is not exclusive to any single language and can occur in various language families.

In some languages, smýlení is a productive and regular sound change that has shaped the evolution of words over time. For instance, it is observed in the development of certain Romance languages from Latin. In other instances, it might be a less common or sporadic variation within a dialect. The specific phonetic environment that triggers smýlení can vary, but the presence of a vowel in proximity to the consonant is a key factor.

The concept of smýlení is important for understanding historical linguistics and the systematic changes that languages undergo. It helps explain why certain cognates in related languages might appear to have different consonant sounds. Linguists analyze instances of smýlení to reconstruct proto-languages and trace the relationships between different languages. While the exact phonetic mechanism can be complex, involving the vocal cords, the presence of adjacent sonorous sounds is generally considered the primary driver.