Tense vs. Lax

Another aspect of vowel classification is commonly characterized in terms of the tenseness or laxness of the articulators. Some vowels, such as the vowels and [e], are formed with a high degree of tenseness. Such vowels are called tense vowels. Some vowels, such as and , are formed without a high degree of tenseness, and are called lax vowels.

Some languages have a similar distinction in the articulation of vowels. This classification is in terms of the position of the tongue root. In these languages, the primary classificational feature for the vowels and [e] is not that the articulators are tense, but that the root of the tongue is pushed forward, opening up the pharynx. Such a condition is known as Advanced Tongue Root (ATR). Vowels such as and , on the other hand, do not have ATR in those languages that have that distinction.

Summary

In this set of lessons, you have been introduced to the classification of vowel sounds in human language. The four classifications are as follows:

• Tongue Height
• Tongue Backness
• Lip Rounding
• Tense vs. Lax

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