POINTS OF ARTICULATION

POINTS OF ARTICULATION

In the production of consonants, the place where the airstream is stopped or
impeded is called the POINT OF ARTICULATION. That is the point where
some part of the lower mouth touches or comes near to some part of the upper
mouth.
1. BILABIAL: A sound made using both lips (p, b).
2. LABIODENTAL: A sound made using the lower lip and upper teeth (f, v).
3. INTERDENTAL: A sound made when the tongue tip is placed between the upper and
lower teeth (“th” as in “thin” and “then”).
4. ALVEOLAR: A sound made when the tongue tip makes closure with the alveolar ridge
(the gum ridge behind the upper front teeth) (t, d).
5. PALATAL: A sound made when the tongue makes closure with some point on the hard
palate (s, z).
6. VELAR: A sound made when the back of the tongue makes closure at or near the velum
(k, g).
7. UVULAR: A sound made when the airstream causes the tip of the uvula to move
(French “r”).