Félhangs

Félhangs is a term used in linguistics to describe a specific type of sound produced in speech. It refers to consonants that have a quality that is intermediate between a full consonant and a vowel. These sounds are often characterized by a more open articulation than a typical consonant, allowing more airflow to pass through the vocal tract.

The concept of félhangs is particularly relevant in the study of certain languages where these sounds play a distinct phonetic or phonological role. They are not always easily categorized as either a consonant or a vowel by native speakers or by traditional phonetic analysis. The production of a félhang often involves slight friction or turbulence in the airflow, but not enough to be considered a full fricative consonant.

Examples of sounds that might be considered félhangs can vary depending on the linguistic tradition and the specific language being analyzed. Some linguists might include certain types of approximants or even some less common vowel-like sounds within this category. The exact phonetic features that define a félhang are a subject of ongoing discussion and research in phonetics and phonology. Understanding félhangs is crucial for accurately describing the sound systems of languages that feature them.