What kind of rounding is associated with the "ɑ" sound?

The sound represented by the symbol "ɑ" is classified as an unrounded vowel. This means that when producing this sound, the lips are not rounded but remain in a neutral position, which is characteristic of unrounded vowels.

In phonetics, vowel sounds are categorized based on articulatory features, including the position and shape of the lips during their production. Rounding refers specifically to whether the lips are rounded or not. An unrounded vowel like "ɑ" typically involves a more open mouth position and relaxed lips, in contrast to rounded vowels, where the lips are pursed or rounded during articulation.

This understanding of vowel rounding is essential, as it influences not only the quality of the vowel itself but also how it contrasts with other vowels in a language's phonetic inventory.