THE ISSUE OF DIPHTHONGS IN THE QAZAKH DIALECT OF THE WESTERN GROUP OF THE AZERBAIJANI LANGUAGE
Abstract
The article explores the issue of diphthongs in the Qazakh dialect of the Western group of the Azerbaijani language. A diphthong is defined as a single phonological unit formed by the combination of two distinct vowel sounds, pronounced within the same syllable. Although diphthongs are widely observed across various dialects of Azerbaijani, their existence within the language remains a subject of scholarly debate.
The study examines the phonological processes that give rise to diphthongs and provides a classification of their types. It analyzes empirical data collected through interviews with Azerbaijani-speaking individuals residing in different regions of Georgia. Descriptive and comparative research methods are employed in the analysis. The study identifies the reduction of the consonants [v] and [j] as the primary factor leading to the formation of diphthongs in the Qazakh dialect.
Diphthongs in this dialect are classified into two categories: falling and rising. Falling diphthongs typically begin with an open, high-tone vowel followed by a closed, low-tone vowel, creating a melodic movement from high to low. Conversely, rising diphthongs begin with a low-tone vowel and progress to a high-tone vowel, exhibiting an opposite phonetic trajectory. Additionally, the article discusses the phenomenon of diphthongoids — complex vowel sounds that resemble diphthongs in structure but differ in articulation. Unlike classical diphthongs, diphthongoids are not pronounced as swiftly or consistently and are considered transitional forms between monophthongs and true diphthongs.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive analysis of the diphthongal system in the Qazakh dialect of Azerbaijani, supporting the presence and phonological significance of diphthongs within dialectal speech.
Keywords: Western dialect of the Azerbaijani language, Vowels, Descending and Ascending vowels, Diphthongoids, Phonetic processes.
