[+/- round]

Definition

[round] is a feature used in order to distinguish sounds that have a rounding of the lips in contrast to sounds that have neutral, unrounded lips (Zsiga, 2013, p. 268). Sounds that are [+round] indicated lip rounding, whereas [-round] sounds do not have a rounded lip during articulation.

The vowels [u, ʊ, o, ɔ, y, œ] are [+round], and all others are [-round]. Rounded consonants can also have the feature [+round], such as [tw, sw, gw] (p. 268). There is no need to distinguish unrounded consonants as [-round].

Examples

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