The Other Letters - r, g, gw, ll

Example word: ruuwaq (arrow)

G is produced in the mouth in the area where you produce an English g (as in the word good) but it has a softer sound. Practice by making an English g a few times, then, holding your mouth in the same position, produce an h sound. You do not need to stop or slow the air at all as it comes out of your mouth.

Example word: giinaruaq (mask)

When the g appears between two single vowels a, i, or u, its sound changes slightly. In these cases, the mouth opening is more constricted, creating friction as the air flows out. This sound is sort of half way between an English g and an h sound.

Example word: agi (go)

This letter is similar to g, but with the addition of the w sound.

Example word: gwani (here)

Example word: uqgwik (alder)

Ll is one of the most daunting letters for new speakers of Alutiiq, but it is not too difficult, with practice. To make this sound, hold your tongue against the front roof of your mouth as with an English l. Then force air out so that it escapes out from the sides of your tongue through your teeth. This hissing-like sound is ll.
Another way to think of it: ll is similar to the sh sound in English, except that it comes out from the sides of your tongue instead of the front, and the teeth are not completely closed. So, place your tongue against the entire front roof of your mouth and try to make the sh sound. You'll be comfortable with this letter in no time!

Example word: llami (outside)

Example word: ellpet (you)