Daniel Andreasson <noldo@...> wrote:
> > Pablo Flores asked:
>
> > What's the difference between a tap and a flap? I thought
> > they were the same!
>
> Somewhat belated reply, but anyway...
> AFAIK no one else answered.
Someone did -- don't remember who, but thanks. I wasn't
sure I had understood the first answer and yours is a
confirmation.
>
> I had the same question some months ago,
> so I asked my teacher. He said that a tap
> is when you very quickly "tap" the tip of your
> tongue once against the alveoli. A flap is made
> by "flapping" the underside of the tip of your
> tongue against the back of the alveoli, kind of
> the same way you'd make a retroflex IIUC.
> When I do that it sounds like something
> between /d/ and /l/, but that's what he said.
I think you're making it right. If it's like American
<dd> in 'ladder' or <tt> in 'butter', it's a flap,
namely Spanish or Japanese <r>.
>
> Hope my answer wasn't too confusing.
> It's hard to explain when I can't use my
> hand as a "tongue".
No problem. I can imagine. :)
--Pablo Flores