Letter D
Letter d is pronounced differently depending on whether the sound occurs at the start or end of a syllable. At the start of a syllable, d is pronounced as the t in English 'stop'. This is a voiceless sound (made without the vocal folds vibrating). At the end of a syllable, d is pronounced as in English 'rod' but often is followed by a slight 'uh' sound. This is a voiced sound (made with the vocal cords vibrating).Click on a video below to see and hear Mrs. Irene Arnold pronouncing words with D.
den four
k'ôd enough
shaadeh my older sister
tuud bald eagle
deshax his, hers or its own house
ch'elahdziid bee
In some words d at the beginning of a syllable is pronounced as in English ‘dog’. For more information on this pronunciation of d see Letter N and the Technical Notes.
Click below to hear Mrs. Irene Arnold illustrating the different pronunciations of d at the start of a syllable.
The d sound is similar to other sounds in Tanacross. Below are examples that contrast these similar sounds.
Click below to hear Mrs. Irene Arnold pronouncing words illustrating the contrast between t’, t, and d.
Sentence contrasting t and d and t' at the start of syllables.
Téł delt'êl. The socks are red.
similar sounds