semikinnised

Semikinnised is a term used in linguistics to describe a phonetic phenomenon. It refers to a sound that is produced with a constriction in the vocal tract that is not as severe as a full stop or fricative, but more so than a vowel. This intermediate level of constriction results in a sound that is partially obstructed, hence the name "semikinnised," which can be translated roughly as "half-closed."

These sounds are often described as having a turbulent airflow, but less so than in fricatives like 's' or 'f'. They can also be distinguished from vowels, which are produced with a relatively open vocal tract. Semikinnised sounds can be voiced or voiceless. Their precise phonetic classification can sometimes be a subject of debate among linguists, as the perceptual and acoustic boundaries between different types of constrictions can be subtle.

Examples of sounds that are often categorized as semikinnised include certain types of approximants, particularly those that may have a slightly tighter articulation than typical vowels. In some descriptions of phonetics, semikinnised might be used as a broader category encompassing sounds that fall between the extremes of complete closure and complete openness. The specific phonetic realization and classification can vary depending on the language and the linguistic framework being used.