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
