Sonorantní

Sonorantní is a term used in phonetics to describe a class of speech sounds that are produced with a relatively open vocal tract, allowing for a continuous airflow. These sounds are characterized by their relatively low articulatory effort and their ability to be sustained for a longer period of time. Sonorants are typically vowels and certain consonants, such as nasals, liquids, and glides.

Vowels are the most sonorous sounds in the language, as they are produced with the vocal tract in a relatively open position, allowing for a continuous airflow. Nasals, such as /m/, /n/, and /ŋ/, are also sonorant consonants, as they are produced with the velum lowered, allowing air to escape through the nose. Liquids, such as /l/ and /r/, are produced with a constriction in the vocal tract, but the airflow is still relatively continuous. Glides, such as /w/ and /j/, are produced with a constriction in the vocal tract, but the airflow is still relatively continuous, and they are often considered sonorant consonants.

Sonorants play an important role in the phonology of many languages, as they can be used to distinguish between words and to create syllable structure. They are also important for the perception of speech, as they provide a continuous signal that can be used to segment the speech stream into individual sounds. In some languages, sonorants are also used to indicate grammatical features, such as tense or aspect.

In summary, sonorantní refers to a class of speech sounds that are produced with a relatively open vocal tract, allowing for a continuous airflow. These sounds include vowels, nasals, liquids, and glides, and they play an important role in the phonology and perception of speech.