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The symbolization of central approximants in the IPA

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 July 2011

Martin J. Ball
Affiliation:
University of Louisiana at Lafayette, USAmjball@louisiana.edu
Joan Rahilly
Affiliation:
Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Irelandj.rahilly@qub.ac.uk

Abstract

Approximants that can be considered weaker versions of voiced fricatives (termed here ‘frictionless continuants’) are poorly served by the IPA in terms of symbolization as compared to semi-vowel approximants. In this paper we survey the central approximants and the symbols and diacritics used to transcribe them; we focus on evidence for the use of non-rhotic frictionless continuants in both natural language (by which we mean non-clinical varieties) and disordered speech; and we suggest some possible unitary symbols for those that currently require the use of a hard-to-read lowering diacritic beneath the symbol for the corresponding voiced fricative.

Type
The International Phonetic Alphabet
Copyright
Copyright © International Phonetic Association 2011

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