Avoiced labial–velar implosive is a rare type of consonantal sound. It occurs in a few African languages, including the Central dialect ofIgbo,[1]Lese,[2][3][4] andMa'di.[5]
Itsmanner of articulation isocclusive, which means it is produced by obstructing airflow in the vocal tract. Since the consonant is also oral, with nonasal outlet, the airflow is blocked entirely, and the consonant is aplosive.
Itsplace of articulation islabial–velar, which means it is simultaneously articulated with the lips and with the back part of thetongue (the dorsum) against thesoft palate (the velum). The dorsal closure is made and released slightly before the labial closure, but they overlap for most of their duration.
Itsphonation is voiced, which means the vocal cords vibrate during the articulation.
It is anoral consonant, which means that air is not allowed to escape through the nose.
It is acentral consonant, which means it is produced by directing the airstream along the center of the tongue, rather than to the sides.
Theairstream mechanism isimplosive (glottalic ingressive), which means it is produced by pulling air in by pumping theglottis downward. Since it is voiced, the glottis is not completely closed, but allows a pulmonic airstream to escape through it.
