Stress Change and Initial Consonant Loss in Umpithamu: Cause or Consequence?*

This study aims to reconstruct a change in the system of word stress Umpithamu, language Cape York Peninsula, northeastern Australia. The involves shift parsing direction, from left-aligned as found most Pama-Nyungan languages, anchored at right edge. process is reconstructed using evidence changes root structure and size, combination with specifics synchronic stress. broader context for analysis well-known hypothesis about cause initial consonant loss, typologically rare phenomenon attested areal patterns Australia, including Umpithamu its neighbours. reconstruction shows that picture more complex, major consequence rather than loss. partial complete thus reveals complexities actual processes their end point. Comparison languages point how systems can be derived an Umpithamu-type simply by assuming further following