Plosives: /p/, /b/, /t/, /d/, /k/, /g/
Plosives: /p/, /b/, /t/, /d/, /k/, /g/
Plosives are consonants characterized by a complete stoppage of airflow followed by a sudden release. This creates a burst of sound.
Place of Articulation
- Labial plosives: /p/ and /b/ are produced by pressing the lips together.
- Dental/alveolar plosives: /t/ and /d/ are produced by pressing the tip of the tongue against the alveolar ridge (the bony ridge behind the teeth).
- Velar plosives: /k/ and /g/ are produced by pressing the back of the tongue against the soft palate.
Manner of Articulation
- Stop: The airflow is completely blocked.
- Burst: The airflow is suddenly released, creating a burst of sound.
Voicing
- Voiceless: /p/, /t/, and /k/ are voiceless, meaning the vocal cords do not vibrate.
- Voiced: /b/, /d/, and /g/ are voiced, meaning the vocal cords vibrate.
Examples of words containing plosives:
- Labial plosives: “pen”, “bat”, “pop”, “bib”
- Dental/alveolar plosives: “ten”, “dog”, “top”, “dad”
- Velar plosives: “can”, “go”, “kick”, “gag”
Practice:
- Repeat each plosive sound several times, focusing on the correct placement of the tongue and lips.
- Try to identify the plosive sounds in words.
- Practice saying words that contain plosives.
- Syllabus for Pronunciation of English Language
