One problem i encounter while attempting various Old English metrics in Modern English, is the relative paucity of useful synonyms for a given initial consonant. The other day it occurred to me that what was required might be simply a broadening of the definition of what "alliterating" amounts to.

For precedent, in Old Irish versification, the consonants are grouped in such a way that any consonant in one group is counted as rhyming (with the proper vowel) with any other in the same group.

I see two different ways to apply this to alliteration, one simple & one not so simple. First, the groups P,T,K/ B,D,G/ L,R,M,N,W/ F,S,Th,Sh and perhaps Z,Zh,J,Ch,Dh suggest themselves. (I call this option "girzylerfu".)

Then there is a more phonologically precise, three-dimensional mapping which resembles a double cube, with the first face (clockwise): P-F-V-B, the second T-Th-Dh-D, the third K-H-Gh-G; & then (separately) Ch-J over Sh-Zh over S-Z, and the W-shaped M-N-Ng with its verticals (not connected) of B & D & G. In this schema only single "kingwise-steps" are allowed (no diagonals). Thus, for instance, T with P but not with F. This one i call "pavyjorne" or kthueb.

I refer to either as Family Alliteration.


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