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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)

2.6 Initials: zh, ch, sh, r

Retroflex: the tongue is placed behind the alveolar ridge(5), and may even be curled back to touch the palate

zh Tip of tongue(10) curls back in such a way that the underside touches the front part of the hard palate(6). Release and let air flows out through this narrow opening.
ch Tip of tongue(10) curls back in such a way that the underside touches the front part of hard palate(6). Release and let out a strong stream of air through this narrow opening.
sh Tip of tongue(10) curls back in such a way that the underside is close to the hard palate(6), air is forced through this narrow opening to produce a hissing sound.
r Tip of tongue(10) curls back in such a way that the underside is close to the hard palate(6), air is forced through this narrow opening to produce a hissing sound. Involves vocal cords(16) vibration


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