sulghäälik

Sulghäälik is a term used in linguistics to describe a sound that is produced with a partial closure of the vocal tract, resulting in a turbulent airflow. These sounds are distinct from vowels, which are produced with an open vocal tract, and from most consonants, which involve a complete or near-complete obstruction of airflow.

The defining characteristic of a sulghäälik is the turbulent, hissing, or rushing sound that accompanies its articulation. This turbulence arises from the air being forced through a narrow constriction. Examples of sulghäälik sounds include fricatives like /f/, /s/, /ʃ/ (as in "sh"), and /θ/ (as in "th"), as well as affricates, which begin as a stop consonant and then release into a fricative.

The precise nature of the constriction varies depending on the specific sulghäälik being produced, affecting the place and manner of articulation. For instance, /s/ is a voiceless alveolar fricative, made by forcing air through a narrow groove between the tongue and the alveolar ridge. In contrast, /f/ is a voiceless labiodental fricative, produced by pressing the lower lip against the upper teeth.

Sulghääliks are a fundamental part of the phonemic inventory of many languages worldwide, contributing significantly to the distinctive sounds and intelligibility of spoken communication. Their presence and distribution vary across different languages, forming a key area of study in phonetics and phonology.