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Approximant

The approximants are consonants which are most similar to vowels in their articulation and hence their acoustic structure. Approximant articulation involves one articulator approaching another but without the tract becoming narrowed to such an extent that turbulent airflow occurs. The approximants have been variously referred to as "frictionless continuant", "semivowel", "oral resonant", "glide"and "liquid". In this series, approximants will refer to the sounds /w/, /j/, /l/, /r/, with /w/ and /j/ a subclass called semivowels, and /l/ and /r/ a subclass called liquids. Approximants are produced with a relatively open vocal tract when one articulator approaches another but does not make the vocal tract so narrow that a turbulent airstream results. The terms frictionless continuant, semivowel, and glide are sometimes used for some of the sounds made with this manner of articulation.
/w/ - labial velar approximant

The soft palate is raised so no nasal coupling. The tongue assumes the position for a back half close to close vowel depending on the degree of openness of the following vowel. Lips are rounded (more so when followed by rounded vowels such as /u/, /U/ and /o:/)
/j/ - palatal approximant

Velum raised The tongue is in the position for a front half close to close vowel (depending on the degree of openness of the following sound) therefore high F2 (front place). Similar formant pattern to /i/. Lips are neutral to spread but rounded in anticipation of round vowels. /j/ is devoiced following voiceless consonants with the result that the palatal fricative [] is often produced when devoicing is complete. When /j/ occurs in a consonant cluster only /u/, /U/ or schwa may follow : "huge", "opulent", "senior"
/r/ - alveolar approximant

The soft palate is raised, the nasal resonator shut off.

The tip of the tongue is held in a position near to but not touching the rear part of the alveolar ridge. The back rims of the tongue are touching the upper molars. The central part of the tongue is lowered so that there is a hollowing and slight retroflexion of the tip. The airstream is therefore allowed to escape freely, without friction over the centre part of the tongue. Lip position is largely determined by the following vowel. /r/ in Australian English does not occur post vocalically before pauses or consonants. /r/ has a steady state component of at least 50msec up to about 300msec possible The frequency of F1 appears to be related to lip rounding. i.e. low F1 = lip round Characterised by very low F3 due to retroflex articulation. /r/ is devoiced following voiceless consonants
/l/ - alveolar lateral approximant

/l/ is articulated with a partial central closure around the sides of which air is allowed to escape through the mouth. In English the tongue tip articulates with the alveolar ridge. The primary articulation is alveolar but this can vary between dental (wealth) and retroflex (already). For clear /l/ the front of the tongue is raised towards the hard palate giving a front vowel resonance to the consonant. For dark /l/, the tip contact remains at the alveolar ridge but the front of the tongue is depressed and the back raised towards the soft palate, giving a back vowel or velarised resonance Devoicing of /l/ occurs after voiceless consonants particularly /p/ and /k/. Velarisation of /l/ can retract and lower a preceding front vowel. Australian speakers will often use a vowel instead of the syllabic /l/ such as /U/ e.g. "milk" /mIUk/ Also when /ou/ occurs before /l/ the second component of the diphthong coalesces with the velarised /l/ thereby minimising the contrast between pairs such as "doll"/"dole" /l/ can function as a vowel i.e. can have syllabic prominence. However, it more commonly behaves as a consonant and has a marginal position in the syllable. Syllabic /l/ is velarised. /l/ has a steady state component of 50 to 60 msec. Longer duration produces the effect of syllabicity.

Impressions of clear and dark /l/ qualities are determined by the frequency of F2. Lower for dark . Best transition durations about 60 to 70 msec For F2 and F3 F3 must be high if /l/ is to be distinguished from /r/ /l/ often appears discontinuous in spectrum and amplitude with its adjacent vowels. This is due to the tongue tip contacting the alveolar ridge. The other approximants do not demonstrate such contact between articulators and so their formant transitions change smoothly. Copyright Macquarie University | Accessibility Information | Last Updated: December 2008 ABN 90 952 801 237 | CRICOS Provider No 00002J Source: Consonant Acoustics: Approximants, http://clas.mq.edu.au/acoustics/consonants/approxweb.html, Saturday, August 15, 2009 4:32:51 PM

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