Re: Voiced ejectives (was Simafira : Phonetics)

Paul Roser wrote:
> I can't recall
> why voicing is possible with implosives, but dimly recall that it
> is connected with the ingressive nature of those segments.
Implosives actually are usually voiced.  The reason is that the glottis
is left open as it is lowered.  The glottis cannot vibrate from air
moving DOWN, and, unless it's a very narrow passage does not much impede
the movement of air.  So, an open glottis in an ejective would result in
no sound, because there'd be no buildup of pressure in the oral cavity,
and would be pointless, as it would make no sound.

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