Iotated E

In linguistics, "Iotated E" refers to a sound change or phonetic process where a Proto-Slavic vowel represented by the letter ě (yat', denoted variously as ѣ, ꙓ, or /ě/), when preceding a vowel in certain environments, evolved into /je/ or /ʲe/ (a palatalized consonant followed by /e/). This change is particularly significant in the development of East Slavic languages.

The ě vowel itself represents a sound intermediate between /e/ and /a/, often approximated as /æ/. The iotated form arises from the articulation of the ě sound moving towards a following vowel, with the tongue raising towards the palate, producing a /j/ (yod) glide before the vowel. This glide then effectively transforms ě into a diphthong or a sequence of /j/ + /e/.

The outcome of the iotated ě can vary depending on the specific language and the phonetic environment. The resulting form /je/ or /ʲe/ then further evolves over time following the sound laws of each respective language.

The distinction between the original ě and its iotated counterpart is crucial for understanding the historical phonology of the Slavic languages, especially in tracing the divergences between East, West, and South Slavic branches. The presence or absence of iotation can provide valuable clues about the etymology and evolution of words. It is a significant feature of the historical grammar of Slavic languages and often explains differences in cognate words across different Slavic language families.