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Rule of English phonology that prevents /j/ and /w/ from occurring in the ends of syllables

English Language & Usage Asked on July 9, 2021

I’m quite sure I’ve seen a rule in English phonology that says that /j/ (the "y" sound) and /w/ (the "w" sound) should not occur in the ends of English syllables, but I haven’t had much luck finding that rule anywhere on the web.

The rules I’m talking about are called "Phonotactics rules". As per Wikipedia, "Phonotactics is a branch of phonology that deals with restrictions in a language on the permissible combinations of phonemes. Phonotactics defines permissible syllable structure, consonant clusters and vowel sequences by means of phonotactic constraints."

An example of the rules is that /ŋ/ (the "ng" sound) cannot begin a syllable, but can end one.

I search through different websites in hopes of finding the rule that restricts /w/ and /j/ at the end of syllables, but of no use. Does this "Phonotactic rule" exist in English phonology? Can anyone provide a source that confirms this?

One Answer

The list in the Wikipedia article you mentioned does mention "No glides in syllable codas (excluding the offglides of diphthongs)", cited to Harley (2003).

Correct answer by Nardog on July 9, 2021

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