Romulan Pronunciation

Vowels (Aodh'hhaonn'klanenhir)

a, i, u, and o are pronounced as in most European languages.

e is pronounced as in English "bet".

ae is pronounced as in English "fail"

Vowels written double are pronounced long.

Consonants (Sa'hra'hhaonn'klanenir)

A single h written after a consonant indicates aspiration, unless otherwise noted.

b, ch, d, f, h, j, k, l (as in "link"), m, n, p, s, sh, t, th (as in "think"), v and w are pronounced as in English.

c is pronounced as English "k" usually, though its most formal pronunciation is as a pre-velar "k", with the root of the tongue slightly further forward than for k.

dh is pronounced as English "th" in "this"

fv is a semi-voiced "v". That is, its pronunciation is halfway between "f" and "v".

g is always pronounced as in English "get".

hh is pronounced like Spanish "j"

lh is pronounced like an "l' followed by Spanish "ll" (something like "l"+consonental "y") usually, but its most formal pronunciation is as an aspirated "l"

ll is usually pronounced as a velarised "l" like in English "ball", but its most formal pronunciation is with the tongue-tip positioned at the back of the bottom teeth.

llh is usually pronounced as a velarised "lh", that is, something like "ll"+"y", but its most formal pronunciation is that of an aspirated, voiceless "l", like in Tibetan "Lhasa".

nh is pronounced like Spanish "ñ" or the "ny" in English "canyon"

r is pronounced slightly trilled, as in Spanish "pero". However, when found at the beginning of a word before another consonant, or between two consonants, it serves as a vowel: a word such as "*krk" would be pronounced as "kirk", but with the "r" slightly trilled.

rr is pronounced strongly trilled, as in Spanish "perro". However, when found at the beginning of a word before another consonant, or between two consonants, it serves as a vowel: a word such as "*krrk" would be pronounced as "kirk", but with the "r" strongly trilled.

l, ll, lh and llh can also serve as vowels in the same way as r and rr.

z is pronounced as in English "azure"

bh, fh, fvh, gh, kh, mh, ph, rh, rrh, tth, vh are aspirated counterparts to their counterparts listed above. That is, they are pronounced with a breathy exhalation.

y is a special case, as it can serve either a vowel or a consonant. As a consonant, it is pronounced as in English. As a vowel, it is pronounced like German "ü" when long (written double) or in a stressed position. When in an unstressed position, it is pronounced as English "i" in "bit".