Palatalization of /s/ before /i/ and /w, j/

Sranan and Ndyuka exhibit another optional palatalization, this time of /s/ to /ʃ/ before /i/ or /w/. Also /s/ and /j/ combine in onset to give /ʃ/ in Ndyuka. This also appears to operate in Sranan across word boundaries: fos(i) júru > [fɔʃjúru]  ‘first hour’. We interpret the alternate forms provided by Focke (1855) as indicating the options /sj/ (si) and /ʃ/  (sj) for the onset position as well in 19^th century Sranan. Although /s/ is palatalized preceding /i, j/ in some Gbe lects, we are less certain that this change is due to substrate effects.