Half vowel

a half vowel (also: Semivokal, half consonant, sliding sound, Sonant) is phonologically defined as subclass of the Approximanten.

Half vowels function phonologically like a consonant. As such it can be syllable carriers or also not, as for example [j] in that words „career “ and „fjord “.

A half vowel results from a closer Konstriktion than a vowel. This Konstriktion is however not sufficient, in order to produce a friction, so that one could speak of a fricative. Therefore also the designation Approximant: The tongue approaches only the articulation place on, which, if it were still more near affected by the tongue, would produce a Frikativ.

• [j] be correctful palataler Approximant: Corresponds practically to the German, somewhat open Jott [j]. The German “I-loud “[ç] is however be correctless and somewhat more closed.
• [ɥ] labialisierter be correctful palataler Approximant: In the French the u often appears as half vowel [ɥ]: “nuit” [n ɥ i]; “fuir” [f ɥ 'i: r]; a labialisiertes Jott, and/or. a konsonantisches and.
• [w] labialisierter be correctful velarer Approximant: Also for example the English w in more water, what is a half vowel. As half vowel also the English r can be defined.