Ejectives meaning

Ejectives are a type of consonant produced with a burst of air driven by the closure of the glottis.


Ejectives definitions

Word backwards sevitceje
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "ejectives" is a noun.
Syllabic division e-ject-ives
Plural The plural of the word "ejectives" is ejectives.
Total letters 9
Vogais (2) e,i
Consonants (5) j,c,t,v,s

Ejectives, a type of consonant sound, are produced by a build-up of air pressure in the vocal tract. When these sounds are released, the air is pushed out in a burst, creating a distinct popping or clicking sound. Unlike other types of consonants, ejectives are produced using a different mechanism.

Production of Ejectives

Ejectives are produced by closing the vocal cords and then simultaneously raising the back of the tongue against the soft palate. This action creates a closed space in the vocal tract, trapping air inside. As the closure is released, the air pressure is quickly released, resulting in the distinctive popping sound associated with ejectives.

Language Examples

Ejectives are found in various languages around the world, including languages spoken in the Caucasus region, the Americas, and Africa. In some languages, such as Quechua and Georgian, ejectives are a regular part of the sound system and are used to distinguish between different words.

Articulatory Features

One key feature of ejectives is their simultaneous closure and release, which sets them apart from other types of consonants. The build-up of air pressure during the closure phase is what gives ejectives their explosive quality. This unique articulatory feature makes ejectives stand out in the world of phonetics.

Overall, ejectives play a significant role in the phonetic systems of many languages and add an interesting dimension to the study of linguistics. Their distinct sounds and unique production mechanisms make them a fascinating area of study for researchers and language enthusiasts alike.


Ejectives Examples

  1. She let out a powerful ejective sound to scare away the approaching bear.
  2. The linguist explained the differences between ejectives and other types of consonants.
  3. In some languages, ejectives are used to distinguish between words with different meanings.
  4. He mimicked the ejective sounds of a steam locomotive as it chugged along the tracks.
  5. The singer incorporated ejectives into her performance to add emphasis to certain lyrics.
  6. During the volcanic eruption, the mountain emitted ejective bursts of ash and gas.
  7. The actor practiced producing ejectives for his role as a character with a unique speech pattern.
  8. The professor conducted research on the articulation of ejectives in various languages.
  9. The sound engineer adjusted the microphone to capture the singer's ejectives more clearly.
  10. As part of the language lesson, the students were taught how to produce ejectives accurately.


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  • Updated 11/07/2024 - 08:16:58