Voiced labial–retroflex plosive

The voiced labial–retroflex plosive is a type of consonantal sound used in the Yele language. It is a [ɖ] and [b] pronounced simultaneously. The symbol in the International Phonetic Alphabet that represents this sound is ⟨ɖ͡b⟩. Para-IPA ⟨ḍ͡b⟩ is also seen.

Voiced labial–retroflex plosive
ɖ͡b
ḍ͡b

Features

Features of the voiced labial–retroflex plosive are:

• Its manner of articulation is occlusive, which means it is produced by obstructing airflow in the vocal tract. Since the consonant is also oral, with no nasal outlet, the airflow is blocked entirely, and the consonant is a plosive.
• Its place of articulation is labial–retroflex, which means that it is simultaneously articulated with the front part or underside of the tongue against the palate, and the lips.

• Its phonation is voiced, which means the vocal cords vibrate during the articulation.
• It is an oral consonant, which means air is allowed to escape through the mouth only.
• It is a central consonant, which means it is produced by directing the airstream along the center of the tongue, rather than to the sides.
• Its airstream mechanism is pulmonic, which means it is articulated by pushing air solely with the intercostal muscles and abdominal muscles, as in most sounds.

Occurrence

Language	Dialect	Word	IPA	Meaning	Notes
Yele[1]		dpênêdpênê	[ʈ͡pəɳəɖ͡bəɳə]	'coughing'	Voiced between vowels. Contrasts voiced labial–alveolar plosive.
		ngmêdpî	[ŋ͡məɖ͡bɯ]