Täishäälikuna

Täishäälikuna is an Estonian grammatical term referring to a full vowel. In Estonian phonology, vowels are broadly categorized into full vowels and semi-vowels. Full vowels are the primary vowel sounds that form the core of syllables. The full vowels in Estonian are a, e, i, o, u, õ, ö, and ü. These are the sounds typically produced with an open or partially open vocal tract.

The distinction between full vowels and semi-vowels is important for understanding Estonian syllable structure and word formation. Semi-vowels, such as the glide sounds represented by j and v in certain contexts, are typically shorter and less prominent than full vowels. They often appear in conjunction with full vowels.

The concept of täishäälikuna is crucial for understanding Estonian orthography and pronunciation. The correct identification and production of these sounds are fundamental to speaking and understanding the Estonian language accurately. For example, the vowel sound in words like "tuli" (fire) and "tuli" (he/she/it came) are both considered täishäälikud, even though their meaning and grammatical function differ. The system of täishäälikud contributes to the distinct phonetic landscape of Estonian.