[+/- advanced tongue root]

Definition

Abbreviated as [ATR], this feature is used to distinguish between sounds that are articulated with the tongue root pulled forward in the mouth, also referred to as [+tense] in some languages. When articulating vowels that are [+ATR] or [+tense], the articulation of such vowels can be accompanied by a feeling that the mouth is tenser, or more constricted, during articulation than [-ATR] vowels (Zsiga, 2013, p. 268).

[+ATR] vowels include [i, e, u, o] and [-ATR] vowels are [ɪ, ʊ, ɛ, ɔ].

Examples

  • Hul’q’umi’num’
    • The following phonemes enclosed in blue are described as being [+ATR] or [+tense].
Suttles (2003).
  • Skwxwú7mesh
    • The following phonemes enclosed in blue are described as being [+ATR] or [+tense].
Dyck (2004).
  • Secwepemctsín
    • The following phonemes enclosed in blue are described as being [+ATR] or [+tense].
Gibson (1973).