Dental Places of Articulation

59 are both bilabials, but [b] has the features of [+voice, + stop] and [p] has the features of [-voice, +stop]. [d] has the features of [+ voice, + stop] while [t] has [-voice, + stop]. [s] and [z] are both alveolar sounds but [z] is composed of [+ voice, +fricative] while [s] is composed of [- voice, +fricative]. It is to be noted, however, that classes of sounds can also be described in terms of the features of which they are composed. [m], [n], [ŋ], where there is no opposition between voiced and voiceless, are simply referred to as [+nasals]. The class of stops p, t , k, b, d, g can be specified simply as [+stop]. However, the voiceless stops p, t , k as a class may have features such as [- voiced, + stop]. On the opposite end, b, d, g have the features of [+voiced, + stop], etc Ladefoged, 1993: 89.

4.1.2.2.2 Nasals

Nasal sounds ŋ,m,n are produced when the air is stopped in the oral cavity but the soft palate is down so that air can go out through the nose Ladefoged, 1993: 89. Such sounds are heard in the Nataia words such as: Table 4.13 Nasal Sounds Nasal Sounds Distribution Examples Meaning m initial muzi muzi life, alive medial kumu k h umu already n initial negha neɣa say, admonish medial mona mona no negation ŋ initial ngasi ŋasi say medial nenga nəŋa remember care PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI 60

4.1.2.2.3 Stops

According to Ladefoged 1993:8, stops sounds b, d, g, p, t, k, ß, ɗ, Ɂ are produced if in addition to the articulatory closure in the mouth, the soft palate is raised so that the nasal tract is blocked off, then the air stream will be completely obstructed. Pressure in the mouth will build up and an oral stop will be formed. In the Nataia, the stops sounds are heard in words such as: Table 4.14 Stops Sounds

4.1.2.2.4 Fricatives

The way fricative sounds z, ɣ, f, s,h are produced involves close approximation of two articulators so that the airs-tream is partially obstructed and turbulent airflow is produced Ladefoged, 2003: 10. In the Nataia, fricative sounds are heard in words such as: Stops Sounds Distribution Examples Meaning b initial bana bana walk medial sabu sabu meet d initial duki duk h i push down medial teda t h əda chasm g initial geta gət h a mention medial mege mege put on the waist p initial pema p h ema fat medial sepa səp h a eat vegetables t initial tepa t h əp h a shoulders medial kate k h at h e itching k initial ka’u k h a’u sew medial aku ’ak h u hold in one’s grasp ß initial bhada ßɑdɑ buffalo medial tebha təßɑ spank ɗ initial dhedhu ɗeɗu boil medial sedho səɗɔ pound of maize