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Velar: meaning, definitions and examples

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velar

 

[ˈviːlɑːr ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

phonetics study

The term 'velar' refers to consonants produced with the back of the tongue against the soft palate. This includes sounds such as [k] and [g] found in various languages. Velar sounds are important in many phonetic contexts and can significantly affect the phonological structure of a language.

Synonyms

back, palatal, soft-palate.

Examples of usage

  • The 'k' sound in 'cat' is a velar consonant.
  • In some dialects, the velar nasal sound appears at the end of words.
  • Linguists analyze velar sounds to understand language variation.
Context #2 | Noun

anatomy

In anatomy, 'velar' can also refer to anything related to the soft palate in the mouth. The soft palate plays a crucial role in speech and swallowing, influencing how sounds are articulated.

Synonyms

soft-palate, velum.

Examples of usage

  • The velar area affects sound production in many languages.
  • Issues with the velar region can lead to speech difficulties.
  • The soft palate closes off the nasal cavity during swallowing.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • This term comes from the Latin word 'velaris,' which means 'relating to a veil'—a reference likely to how sounds can be shaped.
  • Velar sounds became a distinguished category in phonetics as language studies advanced in the 19th century.

Linguistics

  • Common examples of velar sounds include the letters 'k,' 'g,' and 'ŋ,' as in 'king' and 'sing.'
  • These sounds are produced when the tongue touches or comes close to the soft palate at the back of the mouth.

Cultural Significance

  • In some languages, including various indigenous languages, velar sounds can change the meaning of words completely.
  • The way velar pronunciations are used differs greatly around the world, adding diversity to languages and dialects.

Education

  • Phonetics teachers often utilize velar sounds to help students distinguish different speech sounds and correct pronunciation.
  • Activities involving sound production can significantly enhance language acquisition in early childhood education.

Science

  • Research in speech pathology frequently examines how velar sounds can affect speech development and clarity in children.
  • Acoustic analysis of velar sounds is crucial in understanding speech patterns and disorders.

Translations

Translations of the word "velar" in other languages:

🇵🇹 velar

🇮🇳 वलार

🇩🇪 velar

🇮🇩 velar

🇺🇦 велярний

🇵🇱 welarny

🇯🇵 ベラー

🇫🇷 vélaire

🇪🇸 velar

🇹🇷 velar

🇰🇷 벨라르

🇸🇦 فيلار

🇨🇿 velární

🇸🇰 velárny

🇨🇳 软腭的

🇸🇮 velarni

🇮🇸 velar

🇰🇿 велярлық

🇬🇪 ველარი

🇦🇿 velar

🇲🇽 velar

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,129, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.