Voiced labial–alveolar nasal
Consonantal sound
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A voiced labial–alveolar nasal is a rare consonantal sound found in Yele. It is an [n] and [m] pronounced simultaneously. The symbol in the International Phonetic Alphabet that represents this sound is ⟨n͡m⟩.
| Voiced labial–alveolar nasal | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| n͡m | |||
| n̪͡m | |||
| |||
Features
Features of a voiced labial–alveolar 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–alveolar, which means that it is simultaneously articulated with the front part of the tongue against the alveolar ridge and the lips.
- Its phonation is voiced, which means the vocal cords vibrate during the articulation.
- 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][3] | ńmo | [n̪͡mɔ] | "bird" | Contrasts voiced labial–retroflex nasal and voiced labial–velar nasal. |
