Explanation
A vowel sound whose articulation glides from one vowel quality to another within a syllable. In the atlas, the diphthong is explored as a relationship between form, expectation, and effect. It renders a sound audible as a movement rather than as a point.
Example
The “eu” in “heute.”
Counterexample
The two vowels in “Theater” belong to different syllables.
Distinction
The two vowels in “Theater” belong to different syllables.
Effect on thought and perception
The term renders a sound audible as movement rather than as a single point. As a result, a linguistic order that was previously taken for granted becomes perceptible as an active mental process.
Resonance
Resonance arises when a diphthong is not only recognized but also experienced in its directional effect between expression, body, context, and interpretation.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Diphthong“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-091-011. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-091-011The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.