Chapter 3
Phonology
3.1 Segments
3.1.1 Consonants
The positional series in the columns in (19) are listed in the key below the
table. There are no pharyngealized η, k, m, h, etc., of the sort reported for
Tamajak (Niger).
(19) Con sonant Phonemes- 2 3 4 5 6 7
(p) t ((t)) C5< II § k ((q))
b d d j = [9)] 9
f s (?) vs = U1 X (h)
ζ ζ 1 ζ = [3] r (?)
m η (fi) = [p] ι)(^1) Φ
r
w y = Lj]
key: 1. labial (bilabial stops, labiodental fricatives); 2. alveolar; 3.
pharyngealized alveolar; 4. palatoalveolar; 5. velar; 6. uvular; 7.
pharyngeal; 8. laryngeal
The singly parenthesized C's in (19) are marginal, confined largely to
loanwords. The doubly parenthesized C's occur chiefly (though not
exclusively) as geminated versions of other C's. Both types of C's are
discussed in the following sections. The pharyngealized alveolars, along with
the uvulars and pharyngeals, function as backing and lowering consonants
(BLC's), see §3.1.2.2.
In the Kidal area, s can also be pronounced hy, i.e., as a palatalized
aspiration. The K-f (i.e. Ifoghas) speakers I encountered who had this
pronunciation alternated it with s, especially in elicitation sessions (where
there awareness of the mainstream Tamashek s came into play). In any event,
the hy remains distinct from the regular h phoneme. The Algerian counterpart
is usually transcribed "h" in the literature, suggesting that true merger with