Abstract

BABOSHKIN, Maxim. Possible cases of metathesis in the language of Mayan hieroglyphic inscriptions. Cuad. Lingüíst. Col. Méx. [online]. 2022, vol.9, e200.  Epub May 09, 2022. ISSN 2007-736X.  https://doi.org/10.24201/clecm.v9i0.200.

The aim of this paper is to provide arguments in favor of the presence of the phonological process of metathesis in the language of Mayan hieroglyphic inscriptions, based on the comparative data. The main patterns of the reordering of segments, found thus far in the Lowland Mayan languages, are examined. The modern and colonial cases are compared with those from the hieroglyphic texts, with special focus on the transposition in the CV-CVC structures. Primary traits of this phenomenon are described, and the possibility of the scribal practices influence on the development of some metathetic forms is hypothesized.

Keywords : lowland Mayan languages; epigraphy; linguistics; phonology; metathesis.