Hello out there, i was wondering if anyone could help me understand the difference between palatalization and iotarion if there is any. I am thinking of using these in some upcomimng languages and I need to make sure I fully understand the concept. Also, if anyone knows, can you tell me about the use of the semisoft sign in Kildin Sami? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

For which languages? Russian contrasts palatalized and iotified consonants, but Estonian doesn't as far as I know.

Russian, i suppose. I just dont fully understand the concept.

It's really simple: when you pronounce a consonant, your tongue is raised towards the soft palate like when you pronounce a /j/ (the consonant written <y> in English). Try saying words such as dew, new, and suit like in British English and you've got a pretty reasonable approximation of what it should sound like.

Thanks, that helps : D

Can a Russian really differentiate between дю and дью or ню and нью?!

Yes, no problem. That's just a matter of getting used to it. I'm far from being Russian, but even I can hear and produce the difference.

Western and Eastern Slavic speakers can, Southern Slavic speakers can't.