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the arrangement or overlapping of elements so that each partially covers the one beneath it, as in tiles, shingles, or scales
the overlapping and blending of language elements, such as sounds or grammatical structures, within speech or writing
What is "imbrication"?
Imbrication is a phonological process where sounds overlap or blend together, creating a smooth transition between them in speech. This often occurs at word boundaries or within compound words, allowing for a more fluid pronunciation. For example, in some dialects of English, the phrase "next day" may be pronounced as "nexday," where the sounds are merged. Imbrication is important in linguistics because it reflects natural tendencies in spoken language, showing how speakers adapt their pronunciation for ease and efficiency, and highlighting the dynamic nature of speech patterns across different languages.
