Radical

From KneeQuickie

The radical point of articulation is a cover-term for epiglottal and pharyngeal phonemes of various sorts. It is so named for the fact that these phonemes are articulated at or around the root (radix in Latin) of the tongue. In addition to independent phonemes, the radical POA may be coarticulated with various more prosaic phones to form new sounds.

Description

Radical phonemes may be divided into two basic groups: those focused on the upper pharynx and those using the epiglottal region. Some have suggested another set involving both the pharynx and epiglottis as well.

• Epiglottal consonants

• Pharyngeal and strident vowels

These sounds are quite alien to Western speakers and many regard them as quite cacophonic (that is, un-euphonic). The voiced pharyngeal fricative, for example, has been likened to a bray or grunt.

Usage in language

Phonemes in the radical PoAs feature prominently in several language families, most notably in the Semitic languages, which often possess pharyngeal fricatives and pharyngealized stops.