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Vocal Tract Image: Places of Articulation of Hanyu
  1. Nostril
  2. Nasal Cavity
  3. Lips
  4. Teeth
  5. Alveolar Ridge
  6. Hard Palate
  7. Soft Palate (Venum)
  8. Uvula
  9. Oral Cavity
  10. Tip of Tongue (Apex)
  11. Blade of Tongue (Lamina)
  12. Back of Tongue (Dorsum)
  13. Root of Tongue (Radix)
  14. Pharynx
  15. Epiglottis
  16. Vocal Cords/ Vocal Folds
  17. Glottis
Download Hanyu Pinyin Pronunciation Chart (1.21MB)

2.2 Initials: d, t, n, l

Alveolar: articulated with the tongue against or close to the alveolar ridge(5)

d Raise the tip of tongue(10) towards the bony alveolar ridge(5) to stop airflow. Then remove suddenly to produce a bursting sound.
t Raise the tip of tongue(10) towards the alveolar ridge(5) to stop airflow. Then remove suddenly to produce a bursting sound with a strong stream of air.
n Raise the tip of tongue(10) towards the alveolar ridge(5) and then lower the soft palate(7) to reopen the route of the nasal cavity(2) to allow air to escape through the nose(1). Involves vocal cords(16) vibration.
l Raise the tip of tongue(10) towards the alveolar ridge(5) and remove, and then raise the dorsum(12) to prevent air from flowing out through the center of the mouth but over both sides of the tongue. Involves vocal cords(16) vibration.


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