Language Structure Problems

Retroflex Sounds

Examine these data from Ragayo: the language spoken by North American bears.

Consider [R] (a voiced pharyngeal trill) and [r] a voiced retroflex liquid. are they allophones of the same or of separate phonemes? Provide a minimal pair or state the distribution.

1. [laR] -- original or natural
2. [Ruhu] -- to wait
3. [bardu] -- to kill something without intending to eat it
4. [chorf] -- held
5. [goR] -- warm
6. [aru] -- to react instinctively
7. [Raga] -- bear
8. [grachau] -- to argue or bicker


Yes, it's a 'real' language, and yes, I (Sheri Wells-Jensen) had the delight of creating it. In case you want to know, and trust me, you do, here is a link to more info on the book which made Ragayo necessary: Secrets of Bearhaven by K.E. Rocha.
Ko gra-rashuk kidab!