Avoiceless labial–velar implosive is a rare type of consonantal sound. The sound exists in the Central dialect ofIgbo.[1][2]
The symbol in theInternational Phonetic Alphabet that represents this sound is ⟨k͜ɓ̥⟩[1] or, theoretically, ⟨k͡pʼ↓⟩. Using the voiceless implosive IPA symbols that were withdrawn in the year 1993, it can be transcribed ⟨k͜ƥ⟩.
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 un-voiced, which means it is produced without vibrations of the vocal cords.
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. As it is voiceless, the glottis is completely closed, and there is no pulmonic airstream at all.
^abcBickford, Anita C.; Floyd, Rick (2006).Articulatory phonetics : tools for analyzing the world's languages (4th ed.). Dallas: SIL International.ISBN9781556711657.
