In this article, we will explore the theme of Velarization from a unique and novel perspective. Velarization is a topic that has captured the attention of many in recent years, and through this writing, we propose to analyze it in depth. From its origins to its impact on today's society, through its possible implications in the future, we will immerse ourselves in an exhaustive analysis that seeks to shed light on all the relevant aspects of Velarization. To do this, we will have the collaboration of experts in the field, as well as testimonies from people who have closely experienced the influence of Velarization in their lives. We are sure that this article will provide a complete and enriching vision of a topic that continues to generate debate and fascination today.
Velarized | |
---|---|
◌ˠ | |
IPA Number | 422 |
Encoding | |
Entity (decimal) | ˠ |
Unicode (hex) | U+02E0 |
Velarized or pharyngealized | |
---|---|
◌̴ |
Sound change and alternation |
---|
Fortition |
Dissimilation |
Velarization or velarisation is a secondary articulation of consonants by which the back of the tongue is raised toward the velum during the articulation of the consonant. In the International Phonetic Alphabet, velarization is transcribed by one of four diacritics:
Although electropalatographic studies have shown that there is a continuum of possible degrees of velarization, the IPA does not specify any way to indicate degrees of velarization, as the difference has not been found to be contrastive in any language. However, the IPA convention of doubling diacritics to indicate a greater degree can be used: ⟨ˠˠ⟩.
A common example of a velarized consonant is the velarized alveolar lateral approximant (or "dark L"). In some accents of English, such as Received Pronunciation and arguably General American English, the phoneme /l/ has "dark" and "light" allophones: the "dark", velarized allophone appears in syllable coda position (e.g. in full), while the "light", non-velarized allophone appears in syllable onset position (e.g. in lawn). Other accents of English, such as Scottish English, Australian English, and potentially standard U.S. and Canadian accents, have "dark L" in all positions.
For many languages, velarization is generally associated with more dental articulations of coronal consonants so that dark l tends to be dental or dentoalveolar, and clear l tends to be retracted to an alveolar position.
The palatalized/velarized contrast is known by other names, especially in language pedagogy: in Irish and Scottish Gaelic language teaching, the terms slender (for palatalized) and broad (for velarized) are often used. In Scottish Gaelic the terms are caol (for palatalized) and leathann (for velarized).
The terms light or clear (for non-velarized or palatalized) and dark (for velarized) are also widespread. The terms "soft l " and "hard l " are not equivalent to "light l " and "dark l ". The former pair refers to palatalized ("soft" or iotated) and plain ("hard") Slavic consonants.