AP Ch 8: Diacritic Marks

Diacritics: extra markings to denote different pronunciations of certain sounds; only used if the differences are common in the client’s speech

Common diacritics:

• [ ː ]: two triangles facing each other; means a sound is held for longer than it should be

• [ | ]: straight line; a short pause (such as a comma)

• [ || ]: two straight lines; a longer pause (such as a period)

• [ ~]: squiggly line written above the affected sound; means the sound is nasalized

  • Nasalization usually occurs when an m, n, or ng is following a vowel

  • Used for hypernasal resonance or hypernasality (excessive nasality)

• [v]: a small v written under the affected sound; means the client added or removed voicing, either fully or partially

• [ ◌̪ ]: a small bridge written under the affected sound; means the alveolar sound is produced with dental articulation (usually when following a dental sound)

  • Can be overdone on s & z

• [ ɫ ]: a line with a squiggly through it; means the alveolar /l/ is produced in the velar religion (a dark /l/)