The Malays /r/ Consonant Analysis based on Electropalatography

Electropalatography (EPG) is a safe alternative and convenient technique used in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of patients with articulation disorders. The EPG specialized function in measuring dynamic movement of human tongue during speech has become one of the best option for researchers to perform numerous assessment related to linguistics. Consonant /r/ production is either retroflex or bunched. This paper presents EPG analyses of consonant /r/ production in the Malay language. Four native Malay adult speakers without speech or hearing difficulties were selected. Data were recorded and analyzed using Articulate Assist 1.18 software. The results showed that one subject failed to record the contact pattern at the alveolar zone. The highest contact pattern was recorded at the postalveolar zone (81%). In conclusion, consonant /r/ production among native Malay speakers varied due to the variations in sound production.