Constraints on the coda: Consonant clusters

Like in onset clusters, a maximum of two consonants is allowed to occur in the coda. The coda clusters are much more robust than the onset clusters. Four types of bi-consonantal clusters are allowed in the coda.

Type 1: Nasal + voiceless stop cluster

Voiceless stops are allowed to precede nasals. Contrast between nasals is neutralized in this position. Only nasals having the same general place of articulation as the following stops are allowed to occur in this environment. Examples of Nasal + Stop clusters are given below.

Type 2: Nasal + alveolar fricative

In this type, the alveolar fricatives follow the nasals. Unlike in type 1, in type 2, contrast between nasals is maintained in pre-alveolar fricative position. Examples are presented below.

Type 3: Voiceless stop + voiceless alveolar fricative

In type 3, where voiceless stops occur as the first consonant in the cluster, the following alveolar fricative must be voiceless. This is a case of voicing harmony, as the data illustrates.

Type 4: Alveolar lateral + obstruents

The fourth type of coda cluster involves a lateral preceding obstruents, as shown below.