The Representation of Clicks

Abstract

Click consonants are a type of complex segment. Complex segments are defined as single segments that have two oral constrictions that are nearly simultaneous (Sagey 1990). Click consonants have an anterior constriction, which is either labial or coronal, and a posterior constriction, which is uvular in those Khoesan languages in which posterior place of clicks has been investigated with articulatory methods. The posterior place of clicks in Zulu starts out as velar in the closure, and releases at a uvular place of articulation. Clicks are unique in that they are produced with an ingressive lingual (also known as velaric) airstream mechanism, which is produced by trapping air between a lingual or linguo‐labial cavity formed between the two oral constrictions. The tongue moves, in different ways for different clicks, to expand this oral cavity and thus to rarefy, or decompress, the air within it. When the anterior constriction is released, air rushes in to make the characteristic popping sound. The lingual ingressive airstream differentiates clicks from pulmonic stop consonants, which are produced on an outward flow of air from the lungs, and from other complex segments, such as labial‐velars and labial‐coronals, which are produced using a pulmonic or glottalic airstream.

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