Phonetics: Vowels – ATR/Tense vs. Lax 2.1
This exercise is designed to help you become familiar with the distinction between the features tense and lax. When looking at the vowels of the world, there are discrepancies concerning various features at the advanced level. Check with your instructor if our information is in conflict with what you have been taught.
Note: For learning purposes, we will use the terms ‘tense’ and ‘lax’ and [+/- ATR] synonymously; thus:
‘tense’ = [+ATR] ‘lax’ = [-ATR]
Tense vowels are accompanied by a constriction of facial muscles and the tongue during phonation, whereas lax vowels are not. ‘ATR’ (advanced tongue root) refers to the root of the tongue moving forward in the oral cavity during phonation. If your instructor refers to tense vowels as [+ATR] and lax as [-ATR], simply make this distinction yourself as you go through the questions. Return to Phonetics Exercises
Note: For learning purposes, we will use the terms ‘tense’ and ‘lax’ and [+/- ATR] synonymously; thus:
‘tense’ = [+ATR] ‘lax’ = [-ATR]
Tense vowels are accompanied by a constriction of facial muscles and the tongue during phonation, whereas lax vowels are not. ‘ATR’ (advanced tongue root) refers to the root of the tongue moving forward in the oral cavity during phonation. If your instructor refers to tense vowels as [+ATR] and lax as [-ATR], simply make this distinction yourself as you go through the questions. Return to Phonetics Exercises
You scored %%SCORE%% out of %%TOTAL%%.
Your answers are highlighted below.
