Vowels and consonants are the two primary categories of speech sounds. Each has distinct characteristics and can be classified based on various features. Here's an overview of their classification and description:
Classification and Description of Vowels
Vowels are produced with an open vocal tract, allowing for a free flow of air. They are primarily classified based on three main factors:1. Tongue Height:
High: Tongue is raised towards the roof of the mouth. (e.g., /i/, /u/)
Mid: Tongue is in a middle position. (e.g., /É›/, /É”/)
Low: Tongue is lowered towards the floor of the mouth. (e.g., /É‘/)
2. Tongue Position:
Front: Front part of the tongue is raised. (e.g., /i/, /ɛ/, /æ/)
Central: Center of the tongue is raised. (e.g., /ə/, /ʌ/)
Back: Back part of the tongue is raised. (e.g., /u/, /É”/, /É‘/)
3. Lip Rounding:
Rounded: Lips are rounded. (e.g., /u/, /o/)
Unrounded: Lips are spread. (e.g., /i/, /ɛ/, /æ/)
Classification and Description of Consonants
Consonants are speech sounds produced with a partial or complete obstruction of airflow in the vocal tract. They are classified based on two primary factors:
1. Place of Articulation:
Bilabial: Sounds produced with both lips. (e.g., /p/, /b/, /m/)
Labiodental: Sounds produced with the lower lip and upper teeth. (e.g., /f/, /v/)
Dental: Sounds produced with the tongue tip and upper teeth. (e.g., /θ/, /ð/)
Alveolar: Sounds produced with the tongue tip and alveolar ridge. (e.g., /t/, /d/, /s/, /z/, /n/, /l/)
Post-alveolar: Sounds produced with the blade of the tongue and the post-alveolar ridge. (e.g., /ʃ/, /ʒ/, /tʃ/, /dʒ/)
Palatal: Sounds produced with the front part of the tongue and the hard palate. (e.g., /j/, /ɲ/)
Velar: Sounds produced with the back part of the tongue and the velum. (e.g., /k/, /g/, /Å‹/)
Glottal: Sounds produced at the glottis. (e.g., /h/)
2. Manner of Articulation:
Plosives: Sounds produced by completely blocking the airflow and then releasing it suddenly. (e.g., /p/, /b/, /t/, /d/, /k/, /g/)
Fricatives: Sounds produced by partially obstructing the airflow, creating friction. (e.g., /f/, /v/, /θ/, /ð/, /s/, /z/, /ʃ/, /ʒ/, /h/)
Affricates: Sounds that begin as plosives and end as fricatives. (e.g., /tʃ/, /dʒ/)
Nasals: Sounds produced by allowing air to escape through the nasal cavity. (e.g., /m/, /n/, /Å‹/)
Liquids: Sounds produced with a partial obstruction of airflow, allowing air to escape laterally or centrally. (e.g., /l/, /r/)
Glides: Sounds produced with a slight obstruction of airflow. (e.g., /j/, /w/)
By understanding these classifications, we can better analyze and describe the sounds of human language.
