Phonology

Canids far and wide regard the Mikâi language as being uniquely pleasing to the ears, and this is in part due to the simplicity of its phonology. Compared to most languages, Mikâi makes do with a rather small array of sounds: by the most conservative analysis, it only has twelve consonants — fourteen if one counts the "demi-consonants" — and no more than three vowels. However, the exact pronunciations of these vowels and consonants can vary depending on their environment, a process known as "allophony". The astute (human) linguist will note that there are no labial plosives: as a matter of fact, the lips of taleva are very thin and thus cannot form enough of a seal to properly realize these consonants.