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The Role of Semi-vowels
Author
Source
Journal of the Iraqia University
Issue
Vol. 2016, Issue 37 / 1 (31 Dec. 2016), pp.663-672, 10 p.
Publisher
al-Iraqia University Islamic Researches and Studies Center
Publication Date
2016-12-31
Country of Publication
Iraq
No. of Pages
10
Main Subjects
Languages & Comparative Literature
Abstract EN
This experiment shows how a semivowel is the same as an approximant vowel, except that is momentary.
As soon as one prolongs the approximant structure of [j] or [w], it turns back into a vowel.
Vowels are maintainable sounds.
Semivowels are momentary.
Another way of describing the difference is to say that articulators are going into position, a (hold) when the articulators remain in position for an appreciable time, and a (release) or (off-glide) when the articulators move away from the position they took up during the 'hold’.
A semi-vowel, on the other hand, has only one or two phases- it completely lacks the (hold) phase.
As initial semivowel, like (y) [i] in (yes) has no audible approach, no hold, but only a rapid release, or off glide from the [i] position.
A medial semivowel, like the [w] in (away), has an approach (on-glide) followed immediately by a release (off-glide) with no intervening hold.
The articulators go from a neutral or relaxed position into the position for [w], which they immediately leave again (Catford, 1.994 : 71-72).
American Psychological Association (APA)
Mahdi, Ahmad Abd al-Wahhab. 2016. The Role of Semi-vowels. Journal of the Iraqia University،Vol. 2016, no. 37 / 1, pp.663-672.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-931475
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Mahdi, Ahmad Abd al-Wahhab. The Role of Semi-vowels. Journal of the Iraqia University No. 37 / 1 (2016), pp.663-672.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-931475
American Medical Association (AMA)
Mahdi, Ahmad Abd al-Wahhab. The Role of Semi-vowels. Journal of the Iraqia University. 2016. Vol. 2016, no. 37 / 1, pp.663-672.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-931475
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Record ID
BIM-931475