APPROXIMANT Meaning and
Definition
-
An "approximant" is a term used in phonetics to describe a speech sound produced with a closure or constriction of the vocal tract that does not impede the airflow as much as a stop or fricative sound. It is considered an intermediate or "approximate" sound between vowels and consonants.
Approximants are often characterized by a smooth or flowing quality in their pronunciation. They can be produced by bringing certain articulatory organs close together without completely blocking the airflow. The tongue, lips, or velum may be involved in the production of different types of approximants.
There are several types of approximants, including the most common ones: the "liquids" and the "glides." Liquids, such as the English /l/ and /r/, involve the tongue making a partial closure or constriction in the oral cavity. Glides, such as the English /j/ and /w/, involve a smooth transition from a more open to a more closed position of the vocal tract.
Approximants play a crucial role in language as they often contribute to the overall intelligibility and fluidity of speech. They are an essential element in distinguishing different sounds and, therefore, different words in many languages. By allowing for a more continuous airflow during speech, they facilitate the smooth transition from one sound to another. Thus, the study and understanding of approximants are essential aspects of phonetics and linguistics.
Etymology of APPROXIMANT
The word "approximant" is derived from the Latin verb "approximare", which means "to come near" or "to approach". It combines the Latin prefix "ad-" (meaning "towards" or "near") with the root "proximus" (meaning "nearest" or "next"). Therefore, "approximant" essentially refers to a speech sound that closely resembles another sound but does not fully close or block the airflow, such as a fricative or a liquid consonant.
