Secondary Articulatory Gestures

Secondary articulations have articulations similar to those of vowels. A secondary articulation can be defined as a gesture with a smaller degree of closure that occurs at the same time as a primary gesture. Let us consider four common types of secondary articulation.

Palatalization is the addition of a high front gesture. Russian has a series of palatalized consonants that contrast with their non-palatalized counterparts. Russian palatalization occurs in both syllable-initial and syllable-final position.

Velarization is realized by raising the back of the tongue. In many forms of English, syllable final /l/ is velarized. In Scottish English, the /l/ can be velarized in all positions.

Pharyngealization is realized by narrowing the pharynx. There is little difference between velarized and pharyngealized sounds, and in fact, no language distinguishes between the two. Arabic has pharyngealized sounds.

Labialization is the addition of lip rounding. It differs from the other secondary articulations because it can be combined with them. Nearly all consonants can add lip rounding. Even consonants articulated with the lips such as /p/ and /m/ can be labialized if they are realized with added rounding and protrusion of the lips.

Palatalization, velarization, pharyngealization and labialization are common types of secondary articulation. In palatalization, the front of the tongue is raised and in velarization, the back of the tongue is raised. In pharyngealization, the root of the tongue is retracted and in labialization, the lips are rounded. Secondary articulations are often considered in combination with vowels because their articulations are similar.