narrow vowel

linguistics

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July 1, 2026

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In linguistics, a narrow vowel is a vowel sound produced with a retracted tongue root, which narrows the pharynx. This contrasts with a "wide" vowel, where the tongue root is advanced, widening the pharynx. The terms "narrow" and "wide" describe a specific articulatory feature of vowel production, related to the position of the tongue root and the resulting shape of the pharyngeal cavity.1

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vowel
To form a narrow vowel, the tongue root is retracted toward the pharyngeal wall, and the pharynx is narrowed. To form a wide vowel, the tongue root is advanced so that the pharynx is expanded. Tense and lax are less clearly defined terms. Tense vowels are articulated with…
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To form a narrow vowel, the tongue root is retracted toward the pharyngeal wall, and the pharynx is narrowed. To form a wide vowel, the tongue root is advanced so that the pharynx is expanded. Tense and lax are less clearly defined terms. Tense vowels are articulated with…
Read More