The Function Nunnation "Tanween" Over the Declinable Nouns (A Morpho-Phonetics Study)

Abstract

This study examines the function of Nunnation "Tanween" in the structure of the declinable nouns from a Morpho-phonetics perspective in the light of the modern linguistic studies.

The aim of the study is to investigate the function of Nunnation at the syllable structural level of the declinable nouns that end with consonants in its declination cases: Nominative، Accusative، and genitive. Beside the Nunnation function in the abbreviated noun determinates by either the article (al) or annexation in its declinational cases, the study shows that the Nunation has a structural function in combining two contradictory phenomenon  that the Arabic language is known for which are keeping the declinational cases and tending to preferring  the closed phonetic syllables. Moreover, the nunation helps to speed up the articulation process.