Dorsaalsetesse

Dorsaalsetesse is a term that appears in some linguistic contexts, particularly when discussing the phonetics or phonology of languages. It refers to sounds produced with the back of the tongue. In articulatory phonetics, the tongue can be divided into different parts: the tip, the blade, the body (or dorsum), and the root. The dorsum is the part of the tongue that lies opposite the hard palate. Therefore, dorsaalsetesse sounds are those that involve this part of the tongue making contact or approaching the roof of the mouth.

Examples of dorsaalsetesse consonants include velar stops like /k/ and /g/ in English, where the back of the tongue raises to touch the velum (the soft palate). Similarly, the dorsal fricative /x/ as in the Scottish "loch" is produced in a similar position. Vowels can also be described as dorsaalsetesse, referring to the position of the highest point of the tongue in the mouth. High back vowels, such as /u/ in "too," involve the dorsum of the tongue being raised towards the velar region. The term can also be used to describe the placement of sounds within a language's sound system, indicating which sounds are articulated in the dorsal region. Understanding dorsaalsetesse articulation is crucial for accurately describing and analyzing the sound inventories of various languages.