ungerundet

ungerundet is a linguistic term used to describe vowels that are produced without rounding of the lips. The word comes from German, where unrounded vowels are described as ungerundet and rounded vowels as gerundet. In English-language phonetics the term is commonly translated as unrounded.

Phonetic description: Ungerundet refers to a characteristic of vowel articulation in which the lips remain relatively neutral or spread rather than pursed or protruded. Rounding is a secondary articulatory property that can accompany front, central, or back vowels. The presence or absence of rounding is treated as a distinct feature in many phonological analyses, often described with the feature [–rounded] versus [+rounded].

Contrast and distribution: Ungerundet contrasts with gerundet vowels in many languages, including German, English, and Dutch. For example, front vowels like [i] and [e] are typically unrounded, whereas their rounded counterparts include front rounded vowels such as [y] and [ø]. The distinction is important for accurate phonemic description, as rounding can affect vowel quality and vowel harmony in some languages.

Examples and relevance: In languages with a rich vowel inventory, unrounded vowels are common across height and backness contrasts. English, German, Spanish, and many other languages employ unrounded vowels such as [i], [e], [a], and [ɪ], alongside rounded vowels like [u], [o], and [ø] in other typologies. The concept aids in describing vowel systems, pronunciation guides, and phonological rules that involve lip rounding.

See also: gerundet (rounded vowels), vowel rounding, phonetic features.