Fricatives: /f/, /v/, /θ/, /ð/, /s/, /z/, /ʃ/, /ʒ/

Fricatives: /f/, /v/, /θ/, /ð/, /s/, /z/, /ʃ/, /ʒ/

Fricatives are consonants characterized by a continuous airflow that is partially obstructed, creating a hissing or buzzing sound.

Place of Articulation

  • Labio-dental fricatives: /f/ and /v/ are produced by pressing the lower lip against the upper teeth.
  • Interdental fricatives: /θ/ and /ð/ are produced by placing the tip of the tongue between the upper and lower teeth.
  • Alveolar fricatives: /s/ and /z/ are produced by placing the tip of the tongue against the alveolar ridge.
  • Palatal-alveolar fricatives: /ʃ/ and /ʒ/ are produced by placing the tip of the tongue against the alveolar ridge and raising the middle part of the tongue toward the hard palate.

Manner of Articulation

  • Friction: The airflow is partially obstructed, creating a hissing or buzzing sound.

Voicing

  • Voiceless: /f/, /θ/, /s/, and /ʃ/ are voiceless, meaning the vocal cords do not vibrate.
  • Voiced: /v/, /ð/, /z/, and /ʒ/ are voiced, meaning the vocal cords vibrate.

Examples of words containing fricatives:

  • Labio-dental fricatives: “fan”, “van”, “fish”, “vine”
  • Interdental fricatives: “think”, “then”, “bath”, “the”
  • Alveolar fricatives: “sun”, “zoo”, “sit”, “zip”
  • Palatal-alveolar fricatives: “ship”, “measure”, “shoe”, “vision”

Practice:

  • Repeat each fricative sound several times, focusing on the correct placement of the tongue and lips.
  • Try to identify the fricative sounds in words.
  • Practice saying words that contain fricatives
  • Syllabus for Pronunciation of English Language
See also  Long vowels: /eɪ/, /iː/, /oʊ/, /ɑː/, /uː/

You may also like...