Voiced velar lateral tap

The voiced velar lateral tap is an allophone of the velar lateral approximant in some languages of New Guinea, such as Kanite and Melpa. The extremely short duration of the [ʟ] in intervocalic position (20–30 ms) warrants calling it a tap, according to Ladefoged & Maddieson (1996).

Voiced velar lateral tap
ʟ̆
Audio sample

There is no specific symbol for this sound. However, an IPA capital L with a breve for extra-short, [ʟ̆], would capture Ladefoged and Maddieson's description.

Features

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Occurrence

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It is an allophone of the velar lateral approximant in some languages of New Guinea, such as Kanite and Melpa.

Language Word IPA Meaning Notes
Kanite [example needed]
Melpa [example needed]

References

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  • Ladefoged, Peter; Maddieson, Ian (1996). The Sounds of the World's Languages. Oxford: Blackwell. ISBN 0-631-19815-6.