pronunciation - Is an American “r” sound retroflexed or retracted?



Ok, there are two different ways to make the American r sound. They both think they are right and that the other is wrong.



  1. Make the r sound by retroflexing the tongue:


crude sketch of retroflexed r



  1. Make the r sound by retracting the tongue:


crude sketch of retracted r


Note: Both methods agree that the tongue should not touch anything in the mouth.


I think the retroflexed r is more natural. I have no way to make the retracted tongue because it is very uncomfortable for me.


So which one is correct?




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