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Glottal Stops

7/15/2011

1 Comment

 
We talk about the “glottal stops” in my classes a lot because they are littered all over the Tagalog language. In Tagalog, they can exist before the word as in 'aso, in the middle of the word as in o'o, and in the end as in upo'. These sounds are made when we are holding our breath like when saying “bottle” in a British accent—the t sound is replaced by the glottal stop (sounds like bo'ul). In Tagalog, these sounds make a big difference in a word, for example:

Tayo  (don’t hold breath at the end)- means "us"
Tayo'  (hold breath at end) - means "stand up"

Kaya – can
Kaya’ – wondering

Basa - to read
basa' - wet

Sama – join
Sama’ – bad

Many Tagalog words differ in meaning depending on the presence of the glottal stop.
Can you think of any?

1 Comment
Lesbianese link
9/6/2023 11:00:17 am

Thanks for shariing this

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  • TAGALOG CLASSES
    • (Adults) Complete Beginners
    • (Adults) Advanced Beginner
    • (Adults) Advanced Tagalog
    • (Adults) Proficient Tagalog
    • Middle & High School Tagalog
  • REVIEWS
  • IMMERSION
    • STUDY ABROAD
  • Free
  • Contact
    • About Me
    • Waitlists
  • Bookstore
  • Schedule Your One on One