This study represents a bold reanalysis of the phonemic system of Germanic consonants. The accepted primary voiced-voiceless phonemic contrast is replaced by fortis-lenis, whose origin is projected back into Proto-Germanic. It is proposed to view the Germanic consonant shift as the result of lenition in Gmc. /b d g f X s X/ and of strengthening of articulation in Gmc. /p t k/. Voice and spirantization are characteristic of the lenis members, whereas voicelessness and extraduration are characteristic of fortis. This concept, backed by orthographic, comparative and acoustic phonetic data, supplies not only a simpler and more plausible development into the daughter languages, but also provides a common element in the explanation of the First and Second Sound Shift.

«In sum, this is an interesting book with a plausible theory, as well as a nice summary of what is currently known of the early Germanic orthographies. ...her work is likely to be useful to anyone interested in the history of Germanic.» (Geoffrey S. Nathan, Language) «Diese Studie ist das Resultat von mehreren tiefschürfenden Analysen des phonemischen Systems der germ. Konsonanten...» (Karin Heller, Germanistik) «Der wenig aussagekräftige Titel steht auf einem interessanten und lesenswerten Buch...» (A. Bammesberger, Die Sprache)

Contents: A primary fortis-lenis contrast replaces the accepted voiced-voiceless one in Germanic and, backed by acoustic phonetics, is found superior in explaining development from Germanic and relating the First to the Second Sound Shift.