Palatalized (Adjective)
Meaning
Produced with the front of the tongue near or touching the hard palate (as `y') or with the blade of the tongue near the hard palate (as `ch' in `chin' or `j' in `gin').
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The sound 'sh' in the English word 'shoe' is palatalized as it involves the blade of the tongue being near the hard palate.
- The 'c' and 'g' sounds in many Italian words are palatalized, making them sound more like 'ch' and 'j'.
- The pronunciation of the 'k' in 'knee' can be described as palatalized, due to the front of the tongue's proximity to the hard palate.
- Russian language features several palatalized consonants that require speakers to move the front of their tongue near the hard palate.
- The English sound 'y' is often described as a palatalized semivowel because of its unique tongue placement near the hard palate.