Voiced labial–retroflex nasal

Voiced labial–retroflex nasal
ɳ͡m
ṇ͡m

The voiced labial–retroflex nasal is a type of consonantal sound used in the Yele language. It is a [ɳ] and [m] pronounced simultaneously. The symbol in the International Phonetic Alphabet that represents this sound is ⟨ɳ͡m⟩. Para-IPA ⟨ṇ͡m⟩ is also seen.

Features

Features of the voiceless labial–retroflex plosive are:

• Its manner of articulation is occlusive, which means it is produced by obstructing airflow in the vocal tract. Since the consonant is also oral, with no nasal outlet, the airflow is blocked entirely, and the consonant is a plosive.
• Its place of articulation is labial–retroflex, which means that it is simultaneously articulated with the front part or underside of the tongue against the palate, and the lips.

• Its phonation is voiceless, which means it is produced without vibrations of the vocal cords.
• It is a nasal consonant, which means air is allowed to escape through the nose, either exclusively (nasal stops) or in addition to through the mouth.
• It is a central consonant, which means it is produced by directing the airstream along the center of the tongue, rather than to the sides.
• Its airstream mechanism is pulmonic, which means it is articulated by pushing air solely with the intercostal muscles and abdominal muscles, as in most sounds.

Occurrence

Language	Word	IPA	Meaning	Notes
Yele	nmó	[ɳ͡mo]	"we"	Contrasts voiced labial–alveolar nasal and voiced labial–velar nasal.