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    Linking Sound Categories

    Uploaded by

    Afrodite

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Linking Sound Categories

    Uploaded by

    Afrodite
    2 views3 pages

    Original Title

    1. Linking Sound Categories

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    © © All Rights Reserved

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    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
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    Download as pdf or txt
    2 views3 pages

    Linking Sound Categories

    Uploaded by

    Afrodite

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
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    1.

    Linking Sound Categories


    Since different types of sounds link into each other in different ways, it's important to
    know the categories of sounds. Vowel sounds are created with a relatively open vocal
    tract. Consonant sounds are divided into the broad categories of "continuous" and
    "blocked." Continuous consonant sounds are created when the airflow is restricted--but
    not completely blocked--while passing through the vocal tract. These sounds can be
    pronounced for an extended time. Blocked consonants occur when the lips or tongue
    briefly prevent air from passing through the vocal tract.

    Vowels

    Vowel sounds are difficult to classify. For the purposes of linking, the most important
    characteristic of vowel sounds is that they are created with vocal tract relatively open
    and unrestricted. The shape of the mid-line of the tongue (the middle of the tongue
    from back to front) is the key to creating clear vowel sounds. Subtle changes in tongue
    shape can create different sounds, and therefore, different words altogether.

    All vowel sounds are voiced, meaning the vocal folds vibrate during their production.
    You can feel this vibration by placing a few fingers on the front of the lower neck while
    creating the sound.
    Continuous Consonants

    Continuous consonants are consonant sounds that can be created for an extended
    period of time. Approximant, fricative, and nasal sounds are all smooth consonants.
    View fullsize
    Fricatives: the tongue or lips are used to restrict the amount of air passing through the
    vocal tract. This restriction of air causes friction, or turbulence, as the air passes through.

    Fricatives occur in voiced/unvoiced pairs. To feel the difference, place a few fingers on
    the front of the lower neck and say /z/, and then the /f/ (be careful to produce just the
    consonant and not accidentally add a vowel to the sound). You should feel the vibration
    of the voicing (the vibration of the vocal folds) against your fingers during /z/, but
    not /f/.

    Nasals: the air passes out of the vocal tract through the nose. The fact that your nose is
    involved in creating these sounds is easily demonstrated simply by trying to
    create /m/ while holding your nose shut with your fingers. You can't do it! If both your
    mouth and nose are shut, no sound can escape the vocal tract.

    Approximants: the tongue or lips restrict or redirect the air as it passes through the vocal
    tract. Note however, that the air is not so restricted that it causes enough friction to
    create a fricative.
    Blocked Consonants

    Stops and Affricates are blocked consonants; they are created when the lips or tongue
    briefly block and then release the air as it passes through the vocal tract. The difference
    between a stop and an affricate is that the air built up during a stop is released quickly,
    while the slower release of affricates causes friction to occurs during the release.

    To feel a blocked consonant, place a few fingers in front of your lips and say /t/. Feel
    how you use the tip of the tongue block the air, then feel the puff of air that hits your
    fingers as the air that was built up behind the tip of your tongue is released.

    Unlike continuous consonants, blocked consonants cannot be produced for an extended


    period of time.

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