Consonant Harmony
Consonant harmony is a phonological phenomenon where consonants within a word or phrase become more similar to each other in terms of certain features, such as voicing or place of articulation. This can occur in various languages, influencing how sounds are produced and perceived. For example, in some languages, a voiced consonant may cause surrounding consonants to also become voiced.
This process can enhance the fluidity and ease of pronunciation, making speech more efficient. Consonant harmony is often observed in languages like Turkish and Finnish, where specific rules govern how consonants interact within words. Understanding this concept helps linguists analyze sound patterns and language structure.