velar stop

phonetics

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July 14, 2026

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In phonetics, a velar stop is a consonant sound produced by momentarily blocking airflow in the back of the mouth, specifically where the soft palate (velum) meets the tongue. This blockage, or occlusion, is followed by a release of the air, creating a distinct sound. In English, the sounds represented by the letters 'g' and 'k' are examples of velar stops. These sounds are part of a larger category of "stops," which are characterized by a complete obstruction of airflow, unlike fricatives where the airflow is only partially obstructed. Stops are classified by their place of articulation, such as glottal, velar, or bilabial.1

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Indo-European languages
Consonants
The status of the velar stops k, g, and gh has likewise been questioned. The earlier view that Proto-Indo-European had a series of voiceless aspirated stops ph, th, ḱh, kh, and k^wh has largely been abandoned. (Aspirated consonants are sounds accompanied by a puff of breath.) There was one…
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The status of the velar stops k, g, and gh has likewise been questioned. The earlier view that Proto-Indo-European had a series of voiceless aspirated stops ph, th, ḱh, kh, and k^wh has largely been abandoned. (Aspirated consonants are sounds accompanied by a puff of breath.) There was one…
Read More