1. LIN 3201- Sounds of human language
Manner of Articulation

2. Manners of Articulation
Manner refers to how air is shaped in the vocal tract
What we do to the airstream to constrict, obstruct or shape it producing different types of sound qualities
Stops / Plosives
Nasals (also called nasal stops)
Fricatives
Approximants
Trills
Taps / Flaps

3. Dimensions of the vocal tract
Vertical Dimension – degree of closeness between articulators
Transverse Dimension – whether the sound is obstructed centrally or laterally (which side?)
3. Time – momentary obstruction or maintainable obstruction
lips
tongue

4. Stops / Plosives
Manner – when there is complete closure in the vocal tract blocking the airstream.
[k][g]
[][]
[t][d]
[c][]

5. Nasal stops Oral & Nasal Stops
[m] [b]
Oral & Nasal Stops
Oral Stops – Velum blocks nasal cavity; air lows through mouth only; [p], [d], [k]
Nasal Stops – Velum is lowered; air flows through mouth and nose; [m], [n]

6. Fricatives
Manner – when articulators are close enough to create turbulence in the airstream but not close enough for complete closure.

7. Two types of fricatives
1. Sibilants = more acoustic energy, so relatively louder and higher in pitch.
2. Non-sibilants: less acoustic energy so relatively less loud and lower in pitch.

8. Approximant
Manner – space between articulators is wider than fricative stricture. Turbulence is not created in this manner of articulation.
* Check for IPA symbols for each position shown here

9. Fricatives and Approximants
Any fricative can be turned into an approximant by widening the constriction until the friction ceases.
Fricative Approximant
Labiodental [ v ] [  ]
Alveolar [ z ] [  ]
Retroflex [  ] [  ]
Palatal [  ] [  ]