Abstract

The aim of this article is to provide a description of the segmental phonemes and the allophonic realizations of oral Mapuche in Tirúa. First, earlier phonologic studies on Mapuche are cited. Second, the research methodology is explained (details are given about the area where data were collected, participants, and the most relevant characteristics of the transcriptions and lexical lists used). Third, the theoretical framework selected for the phonic material is provided (the American descriptivist method) and a complete inventory of phonemes and allophonic realizations of the Tirúa variant of Mapuche are presented. Then, the most relevant characteristics are indicated of the segmental phonemic model combination (the most relevant characteristics of the syllabic structure and word structure are mentioned here). After that, phoneme fluctuation is described. Last, and as a conclusion of this research work, a comparative synthesis is presented of the Tirúa variant and the other dialectical variants of Mapuche.