uvularization

In phonetics, uvularization refers to a secondary articulation where the back of the tongue is raised toward the uvula, the fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate. This action modifies the sound produced by the primary articulation.123

Uvular sounds are produced with the aid of the uvula. Examples include the uvular r sound, which can be formed by trilling the uvula against the back of the tongue or by friction between the back of the tongue and the uvula or velum. This sound is distinct from velar sounds, where the primary articulation involves the back of the tongue and the velum. Uvular sounds are found in some languages, such as Arabic, and are also present in certain Semitic languages.2435