The term ‘glottal’ is commonly used in linguistics and phonetics to describe sounds produced in the glottis which is the space between the vocal cords. These sounds play a crucial role in many languages worldwide including English Arabic and various Indigenous languages.
This topic will explore the definition types examples and importance of glottal sounds as well as their role in human speech.
Definition of Glottal
General Meaning
The word ‘glottal’ refers to anything related to the glottis which is the opening between the vocal cords located in the larynx (voice box). A glottal sound is produced when air passes through or is stopped at this point.
Etymology and Origin
The word ‘glottal’ comes from the Greek word ‘glottis’ meaning ‘tongue’ or ‘voice box.’ It was adopted into English to describe sounds formed at the glottis.
Synonyms for Glottal
- Vocal cord-related
- Throat-based
- Laryngeal (closely related term)
Examples of ‘Glottal’ in a Sentence
- The glottal stop is a common sound in some accents of English.
- Many Arabic words contain glottal consonants that affect pronunciation.
- A glottal attack occurs when vocal cords close suddenly before speaking.
What Is a Glottal Sound?
Glottal sounds occur when the vocal cords either close tightly or allow air to pass through in a particular way. These sounds can be classified into:
- Glottal Stops
- Glottal Fricatives
- Glottalization in Speech
1. Glottal Stop: The Silent Break in Speech
A glottal stop (IPA symbol: ʔ) is a consonant sound produced when the vocal cords close completely stopping airflow before releasing it suddenly.
Examples of Glottal Stop
- In English accents like Cockney or Estuary English ‘butter’ sounds like ‘bu’er’ with a glottal stop replacing the ‘t.’
- In Arabic the glottal stop appears in the pronunciation of ‘Qur’ān’ (القرآن).
- In Hawaiian the glottal stop is written as an apostrophe (ʻ) as in ‘Hawaiʻi.’
2. Glottal Fricative: The Breath-Like Sound
A glottal fricative is a sound produced when the glottis remains open allowing air to pass through smoothly.
Example of Glottal Fricative
- The English ‘h’ sound in ‘hello’ is a glottal fricative (IPA symbol: /h/).
3. Glottalization: Adding a Glottal Effect to Other Sounds
Some languages feature glottalization where a glottal stop or constriction is added to another sound making it tense or creaky.
Examples of Glottalization
- In some Native American and African languages glottalized consonants change the meaning of words.
- In Scottish English some words are slightly glottalized when spoken quickly.
Languages That Use Glottal Sounds
1. English
- Glottal stops are common in regional accents especially Cockney and Estuary English.
- The h sound is a standard glottal fricative.
2. Arabic
- The Arabic letter ‘hamza’ (ء) represents a glottal stop affecting pronunciation significantly.
3. Hawaiian
- The ʻokina (ʻ) represents a glottal stop distinguishing words like Hawaiʻi (the island) from Hawaii (general reference).
4. Indigenous and African Languages
- Many Indigenous American languages such as Lushootseed and Navajo include glottalized sounds.
- Some African languages like Ewe also use glottal consonants.
The Role of the Glottis in Speech Production
The glottis plays a major role in how we produce speech sounds. It controls airflow and vocal cord vibration affecting how sounds are voiced or unvoiced.
1. Voiced vs. Voiceless Sounds
- Voiced sounds (e.g. ‘b’ ‘d’ ‘g’) require vocal cord vibration.
- Voiceless sounds (e.g. ‘p’ ‘t’ ‘k’) do not use vocal cord vibration.
2. Glottal Control in Singing and Speaking
- Singers adjust glottal tension to hit high or low notes.
- In speech the glottis helps regulate airflow for different accents and tones.
Common Misconceptions About Glottal Sounds
1. The Glottal Stop Is Only in British English
- False. It exists in many languages including Arabic Hawaiian and Cockney English.
2. The ‘h’ Sound Is a Hard Consonant
- False. It is actually a soft glottal fricative made with an open glottis.
3. All Languages Use Glottal Sounds
- False. Some languages rely more on tongue or lip articulation rather than glottal sounds.
How to Identify and Practice Glottal Sounds
1. Recognizing the Glottal Stop
- Say the phrase ‘uh-oh!’ The break between ‘uh’ and ‘oh’ is a glottal stop.
2. Practicing the Glottal Fricative
- Breathe out while saying ‘h’ in ‘hello’ to feel the glottis remain open.
3. Listening to Native Speakers
- Watch videos of Cockney English Arabic or Hawaiian speakers to hear natural glottal pronunciation.
The Importance of Glottal Sounds in Language
1. Distinguishing Meaning in Words
- In languages like Arabic and Hawaiian glottal sounds change word meanings.
2. Regional Accents and Identity
- The presence of glottal stops in accents (e.g. Cockney Scottish English) makes them distinctive and recognizable.
3. Speech Therapy and Linguistics
- Understanding glottal function helps in speech training and therapy for certain voice disorders.
The term ‘glottal’ refers to sounds produced in the glottis the space between the vocal cords. Glottal stops fricatives and glottalization are essential in many languages including English Arabic and Hawaiian. These sounds contribute to regional accents speech patterns and linguistic distinctions worldwide.
Understanding glottal sounds not only helps in language learning but also enhances our appreciation of how human speech is produced and varied across cultures.
