Voiced labial–retroflex nasal
Consonantal sound
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A voiced labial–retroflex nasal is a type of consonantal sound used in the Yele language. It is a [ɳ] and [m] pronounced simultaneously. The symbol in the International Phonetic Alphabet that represents this sound is ⟨ɳ͡m⟩. Para-IPA ⟨ṇ͡m⟩ is also seen.
| Voiced labial–retroflex nasal | |
|---|---|
| ɳ͡m |
Features
Features of a voiced labial–retroflex nasal are:
- Its manner of articulation is occlusive, which means it is produced by obstructing airflow in the vocal tract. Because the consonant is also nasal, the blocked airflow is redirected through the nose.
- Its place of articulation is labial–retroflex, which means that it is simultaneously articulated with the front part or underside of the tongue against the palate, and the lips.
- Its phonation is voiceless, which means it is produced without vibrations of the vocal cords.
- It is a nasal consonant, which means air is exclusively allowed to escape through the nose for nasal stops; otherwise, in addition to through the mouth.
- It is a median consonant, which means it is produced by directing the airstream down the midline of the tongue, rather than to the sides.
- Its airstream mechanism is pulmonic, which means it is articulated by pushing air only with the intercostal muscles and abdominal muscles, as in most speech sounds.
Occurrence
| Language | Word | IPA | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yele[1][2] | nmó | [ɳ͡mo] | "we" | Contrasts voiced labial–alveolar nasal and voiced labial–velar nasal. |
