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Bilabial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bilabial

[bษชหˆleษช.bi.ษ™l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

phonetics, speech

In phonetics, a bilabial is a type of consonant sound that is articulated using both lips. This articulation occurs when both lips come together and then part to produce a sound. Common examples of bilabial sounds include the English phonemes /p/, /b/, and /m/. These sounds are produced without any additional involvement of the teeth or tongue, making them unique among other consonants.

Synonyms

double-lip, labial.

Examples of usage

  • The letter 'm' is a bilabial sound.
  • In teaching speech, one focuses on bilabial consonants for clarity.
  • Children often find bilabial sounds easier to pronounce.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Phonetics

  • Bilabials are a group of consonant sounds produced with both lips, including 'p', 'b', and 'm'.
  • They are one of the earliest sounds children learn to pronounce as they develop speech.
  • In many languages, bilabial sounds are among the most common consonants.

Language Acquisition

  • Children often experiment with bilabial sounds before mastering other speech forms, as they don't require complex tongue movements.
  • The ability to produce and recognize bilabial sounds can be a key milestone in a child's speech and language development.

Cultural Linguistics

  • Different cultures may have unique sounds classified as bilabial, but the basic concept of using both lips remains universal.
  • Some languages focus more on bilabial sounds, influencing the language's overall phonetic pattern.

Music and Sound

  • In music, bilabial sounds can be imitated using instruments, like a trumpet, where the lips are used to create a pitch.
  • Beatboxing often includes bilabial sounds to create rhythm and beats, showcasing their versatility beyond spoken language.

Origin of 'bilabial'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'bilabial' comes from Latin, where 'bi-' means two and 'labium' means lip.
  • It has been used in linguistic studies since the 19th century to describe specific sounds in various languages.

The term 'bilabial' originates from the Latin prefix 'bi-' meaning 'two' and 'labium' meaning 'lip.' This linguistic classification highlights the dual-lip movement necessary for producing certain sounds. The study of bilabials is crucial in the fields of phonetics and linguistics, as it helps in understanding how speech production works. The concept has been present since the establishment of formal phonetic studies in the late 19th century when linguists began categorizing speech sounds based on their articulatory properties. Over the years, research in phonetics has further explored the production and perception of bilabial sounds, emphasizing their importance in language acquisition and speech therapy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,362, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.