Pathways of initial consonant loss

Abstract This paper investigates the historical loss of root-initial consonants, using a case study Middle Paman languages Cape York Peninsula, in northeastern Australia. Systematic initial consonants is typologically unusual phenomenon, mainly found Australia, that has often been regarded as starting point for far-reaching changes root structure, phonotactics and even phoneme inventory. So far, literature focused on identifying phonetic causes loss. focuses actual processes pathways loss, which an equally important part puzzle. Specifically, it shows there are multiple loss: can be result gradual process involving intermediate steps like lenition, assumed literature, but also due to more abrupt borrowing morphosyntactic alternations. adds diversified model how actually proceeds, together with earlier work diversity produces comprehensive understanding this diachronically phenomenon.