Glottal Stop in Kurdish Language

Abstract

This research is titled (Glottal Stop in Kurdish Language). The scope of the research is the Middle Kirmanji Dialect; hence, the data and examples are analyzed according to the method of (Descriptive Synchronic – Analytical). The aim of this research is a deeper academic analysis to present and prove the degree and the level of phonemity of glottal stop in Kurdish language. This research tries to describe newly the place of articulation, manner of articulation and voicing of the glottal stop in Kurdish language. This research also tries to present the place and use of this sound in dictionaries. Problems regarding the phonemity of this sound as well as the characteristics and conditions that a phoneme needs to have to be a phoneme are explained. Additionally, the factors that have led to the existence of various views among Kurdish experts and linguists toward this sound are discussed. Hence, the body of this research is trying to answer all the questions related to glottal stop and its behavior and state in the Kurdish language. Findings of this research are presented at the ends with the results.