LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Baritonai; Dūriniai, jungiamasis balsis; Gramatika; Jungiamieji balsiai; Kirčio mobilumas; Morfonologija; Senoji lietuvių kalba; Senųjų raštų lietuvių kalba; Sudurtiniai žodžiai; Šiuolaikinė lietuvių kalba; Accent mobility; Barytones; Composition vowel; Composition vowels; Compound words; Compounds; Grammar; Modern Lithuanian; Morphonology; Old Lithuanian.
ENIn Modern Lithuanian compounds the composition vowel is seemingly an optional element, sometimes present and sometimes not. In this article a selection of Old Lithuanian texts and dictionaries will be examined in order to determine the original distribution of the composition vowel. It will be argued that the tendency to delete the composition vowel was originally restricted to initially stressed compounds (with a barytone (immobile) first member). In later texts and certain dialects (West Aukštaitian) this tendency was earned further, whereas in other dialects (East Aukštaitian) the spread of mobility in the nominal system contributed to the preservation of the composition vowel and the creation of new compounds with this vowel. [From the publication]