Ejective Combonations.

[Swoka Swizaw]

Atxkxe...

Might there be a reason that this is the only word with a connected pair of ejectives? When I attempt to pronounce one before a normal plosive - or any sound for that matter - it sounds unpleasant. But, before another ejective plosive, it releases, at the very least, evenly. Thinking about it, when I attempt to articulate an ejective in syllable onset position in the middle of a word (AFTER another consonant) it sounds alright. It releases easier. Considering that, we've seen far more of this than the other.

I have a feeling that this might be another rule we haven't yet considered about the role of ejectives. That they cannot, well should not, end syllable final in the middle of a word. Lords know, we've never tested all combonations to see all of what works.

[Taronyu]

I'm not sure I follow you. For one, what does unpleasantness have to do with it? You're not a native speaker (none of us are), so maybe that's biased by your mother tongue. And secondly, I'm not sure that "should" is really clear. Frommer has shown a predilection for not having ejective clusters, but that doesn't mean they can't happen. I don't think that atxkxe is an exception to the rule - I'm pretty sure that there is no rule.

[Swoka Swizaw]

Points taken. I was just speaking out about something which made me think. Thinking about it further, I suppose that I have nothing more to add that you've not made clear.

[Taronyu]

No worries. Good thought!