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English Plosives   

English plosives have three articulatory positions:
  1. bilabial: p,b - pat, bat
  2. alveolar: t,d - ten, den
  3. velar: k,g - cap, gap
These positions are shown below in RED.

 

 

 

  Compare this figure with the figures showing articulations on p.33, in Roach, figs. 11 12 and 13.
Note that in Icelandic there are also the palatal cononants, shown above in GREEN.
They are transcibed and , as in the beginning of the words 'ker' and 'gera'. Thus Icelandic makes a distinction between the initials consonants of 'kafa' and 'kæfa' and of 'gala' and 'gæla'.

So English has three, Icelandic four, articulatory positions for the plosives.

You should try to hear the difference between English 'came' and Icelandic 'keim', and between English 'game' and Icelandic 'geim': say these words aloud to yourself.

came - keim
game - geim

Practice your own pronunciations of 'coat, kite, Kate', using both English and Icelandic accents. And try saying 'ágæt kænska' as an English speaker would, using the k and g as in 'kite' and 'guy'.

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If you have any questions mail me at peturk@hi.is.