How many tongue r-cycles does the Czech r have? Cover Image

Kolik kmitů má české r?
How many tongue r-cycles does the Czech r have?

Author(s): Pavel Machač
Subject(s): Phonetics / Phonology, Western Slavic Languages
Published by: AV ČR - Akademie věd České republiky - Ústav pro jazyk český
Keywords: rhotics;tongue r-cycle;speech style;speech therapy;

Summary/Abstract: As far as the number of tongue vibration cycles of the Czech /r/ is concerned, there is a considerable difference between traditional descriptions (mostly 1–3 r-cycles) and natural speech (almost always only one r-cycle). The data in this article, based on a modest investigation of texts read by both amateurs and professional actors, confirm an absolute prevalence of one-r-cycle pronunciation in present-day Czech. This article also comments on the term “trill” and on related points of confusion in speech therapy.

  • Issue Year: 100/2017
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 1-17
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Czech