Voiced retroflex trill

A voiced retroflex trill is a special sound used in some languages. It is made by placing the tip of the tongue near the top of the mouth and vibrating it.

The sound is written using special symbols to show exactly how it is made. Experts like Peter Ladefoged use a symbol that usually stands for a different sound called a retroflex flap, but in this case, it helps show the vibration of the tongue.

Other languages, such as Wintu and Lardil, also use a similar sound. In these languages, the tip of the tongue moves toward the hard roof of the mouth, but the way it is made is a bit different. Sometimes, this sound can change slightly depending on the words it is used in.

Some languages have been found to use sounds that are similar but more complex. Languages like Mapudungun, Malagasy, Fijian, and Baima have these kinds of sounds. However, studying these sounds carefully sometimes shows they are not always exactly as first thought. For example, in Fijian, what looks like a trilled sound is often just a different kind of consonant sound instead.

Occurrence