Laterals
The lateral is so called because, in this sound, the airflow is around the sides
of the tongue.
Voiced sounds like / l / are shown on a white background.
| / l / |
Characteristics
Alveolar closure with the tip of the tongue gives ‘clear’ l, as in live. This
occurs before vowel sounds. After vowel sounds, (as in pool), and before consonants (as in help), the back of the tongue is raised towards the soft palate, giving ‘dark’ f (an allophone).
Examples:
/ l / live, pool, pulling