zöngétlen

Zöngétlen is a Hungarian term used in phonetics and linguistics to describe consonant sounds that are voiceless, meaning they are produced without vibration of the vocal cords. In contrast to zöngés (voiced) sounds, zöngétlen consonants are characterized by the absence of vocal fold vibration during articulation. Examples of zöngétlen consonants in Hungarian include the sounds represented by the letters p, t, k, f, s, and sz, among others.

The distinction between zöngétlen and zöngés sounds is fundamental in phonetics, as it influences pronunciation and the phonological structure of languages. This voiceless/voiced contrast can affect meaning in languages where minimal pairs exist, such as "pár" (pair) versus "bár" (bar) in Hungarian.

The production of zöngétlen sounds involves airflow being obstructed or modulated by the articulatory organs—such as the lips, tongue, or glottis—without causing vibration of the vocal cords. These sounds are common across languages worldwide and are essential in phonemic systems to distinguish words and meanings.

Understanding the difference between zöngétlen and zöngés sounds is crucial for linguistic analysis, language learning, and speech therapy. It also plays a significant role in phonological theories, providing insights into how languages organize sounds and structure their phonetic inventories. In phonetic transcription, zöngétlen sounds are often indicated with specific symbols, such as [p], [t], and [k], to denote their voiceless nature.