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How many tongue r-cycles does the Czech r have?

Publication at Faculty of Arts |
2017

Abstract

As far as the number of tongue vibration cycles of the Czech /r/ is concerned, there is a considerable difference between traditional descriptions (mostly 1-3 r-cycles) and natural speech (almost always only one r-cycle). The data in this article, based on a modest investigation of texts read by both amateurs and professional actors, confirm an absolute prevalence of one-r-cycle pronunciation in present-day Czech.

This article also comments on the term "trill" and on related points of confusion in speech therapy.