Although sounds such as j and w are very common, French is nontheless
unusual for having three contrasting central approximants.
The two rounded ones, ɥ and w, can be seen as a form of double articulation (labial-palatal
and labial-svelar).
All three can be related to a corresponding high vowel: j, ɥ, w correspond to i, y, u, respectively.
|
Palatal
|
S
sjɛ̃
|
|
Labial-palatal
|
S
sɥɛ̃
|
|
Labial-velar
|
S
swɛ̃
|
(See SoWL for similar examples.)