[+/-approximant]

Definition

The feature [+/-approximant] accounts for speech sounds which are articulated with a constriction in the vocal tract that narrows but does not close fully (i.e., has a wider constriction in the vocal tract). Sounds that are [+approx] include all sonorants, except for nasals. Sounds that are [-approx] are those articulated with a complete or narrower closure of the vocal tract, including obstruents and nasals.

Examples

  • Hul’q’umi’num’
    • The following sounds in Hul’q’umi’num’ are possible members of the [+approx] natural class.
Adapted from Suttles (2003).
  • Skwxwú7mesh
    • The following sounds in Skwxwú7mesh are possible members of the [+approx] natural class.
Adapted from Dyck (2004).
  • Secwepemctsín
    • The following sounds in Secwepemctsín are possible members of the [+approx] natural class.
Adapted from Gibson (1973).