In Malayalam there are two pronunciations for the letter ന. One is the 'dental', denoted by n̪, similar to the n sound in 'month'. The other is the 'alveolar' denoted by n, similar to the sound in 'nice'.
In Paniniyam introduction, AR uses different letters to indicate these sounds.
The following words show that these are indeed different phonemes (since they change the meaning when ന is pronounced differently)
Do you know other words that demonstrate this difference?
In Paniniyam introduction, AR uses different letters to indicate these sounds.
The following words show that these are indeed different phonemes (since they change the meaning when ന is pronounced differently)
| word | meaning when pronounced as dental | meaning when pronounced as alveolar |
| എന്നാൽ | however | by me |
| നിന്നാൽ | if (somebody) stands | by you |
| തന്നാൽ | if (somebody) gives | by self |
| ഇന്നത് | today, that (ഇന്ന് + അത് ) | this (particular) one |
Do you know other words that demonstrate this difference?
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