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How are the Basque letters x and tx pronounced?

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In the Basque language, the letters x and tx are classified as "hushing" sibilants. Their pronunciations are as follows:

  • x: This letter represents a fricative sound similar to the sh in the English word "ship."1
  • tx: This letter represents an affricate sound similar to the ch in the English word "church."1

These sounds, along with other palatal consonants, are frequently used in Basque to convey diminutive or endearing meanings when compared to their non-palatal counterparts.1