The reallocation of [ʝ] in cypriot greek

This article examines the variation between lateral palatal ([ʎ]) and fricative palatal ([ʝ]) instantiations of the variable (liV) in Cypriot Greek. Through the analysis of two datasets, one based on sociolinguistic interviews, and one based on elicitation task s, it is shown that the fricative variant, which used to be associated mainly with the city of Ammochostos (Famagusta), is now present in all three major urban centres of the island, and that young men are leading the change. The circumstances that led to this development are examined from the perspective of the socio - psychological model proposed by Britain (1997), and it is argued that this is a case of socio - stylistic reallocation (Trudgill 1986). Viewed within the context of sociolinguistic tension that has existed between Cypriot Greek and the standard varieties for more than a century, the emergence and spread of a native variant is seen as another sign that the status of Cypriot Greek vernacular is increasing within the community.