ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-NAV-G02-037 · ATLAS 259

Dissimilation

Dissimilation reduces similarity between sounds in a relevant phonological relationship.

Part of the subject path Sound, Phonetics and Phonology

Why is this entry in the Atlas?

E · Selected case R3 · Justified illustrative case

Dissimilation supplies a case of reduced similarity between sounds, complementing assimilation. Historical change and synchronic alternation must be distinguished for the example being analysed.

Colours and admission grounds

The rectangular label identifies the entry function: F – linguistic figure or procedure; A – analytical concept; G – foundational concept; E – selected concrete case. The rounded badge indicates the admission ground: R1 – distinctive contribution; R2 – necessary foundation; R3 – justified illustrative case. This editorial rationale explains the current selection rather than claiming an undocumented original selection history.

Explanation

Dissimilation is a change that makes sounds less similar in a relevant property. The segments may be adjacent or separated. A historical change between stages must be distinguished from a productive pattern in the current system. The link to haplology also requires identifying what changes: a sound may alter a feature, whereas haplology removes a similar syllable from a sequence. Similarity avoidance can connect descriptions but cannot substitute for analysis of the particular process.

Movement of thought

1. Identify the compared segments. 2. Specify the relevant feature. 3. Compare input and output. 4. Check sound change separately from syllable deletion.

Scientific use case

A historical study could compare dated variants, while a synchronic experiment could compare controlled sound environments; these evidence types remain distinct.

Example

In the constructed schema /r…r/ → /l…r/, two identical liquids become less alike in manner. This is not a datum from a particular language.

Counterexample

Accidental difference between two sounds is not dissimilation. A justified relation between input, environment and change is needed.

Distinction

Distinguish assimilation, metathesis and arbitrary deletion. Classifying haplology as dissimilatory requires an explicit analysis.

Effect on thought and perception

The term supports a precise description of sounds becoming less alike.

Resonance

A sound gains distance from its neighbour without leaving the relation.

Provenance

Parallel source review reconciled 2026-10-07; human specialist review not claimed.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Dissimilation“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-NAV-G02-037. ATLAS 259, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G02-037

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G02-037

The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. Editorial reading state: 2026-10-15. Include your access date for precise references.