In measuring voice onset time (VOT) for the phoneme /g/, what value would be expected?

In the context of measuring voice onset time (VOT) for the phoneme /g/, which is a voiced velar stop, the expected VOT value typically occurs in the range of less than 30 milliseconds. VOT is the duration between the release of a consonant and the onset of vocal fold vibration for the subsequent vowel. For voiced stops like /g/, the VOT is generally shorter when compared to voiceless stops. Voiced stops usually present with VOT values that are close to or even overlap with zero because the vocal cords may start vibrating almost immediately after the stop is released.

In contrast, voiceless stops, like /k/, are characterized by longer VOT values, typically exceeding 30 milliseconds. This is because there is a necessary delay in vocal fold vibration following the release of the consonant. Therefore, while assessing the VOT for /g/, it would be expected to be less than 30 milliseconds, reinforcing the choice made.