Principles of classification of English consonants. English consonants/types of consonants

CHAPTER 1


Principles of Classification of English Consonants
1. The consonant is a sound in the production of which the air stream meets an obstruction in the mouth cavity and a certain degree of noise is heard.
2. English consonants are classified according to:
- the degree of noise
- the manner of articulation
- the place of articulation and the active organ of speech
3. According to the degree of noise English consonants are divided into noise consonants and sonorants. Noise consonants are further classified according to the work of the vocal cords. When the vocal cords are brought together and vibrate, voiced consonants are produced; when the vocal cords are drawn apart, voiceless consonants are heard. Sonorants are always voiced, in their production tone prevails over noise.
4. According to the manner of articulation consonants may be occlusive, constrictive and occlusive-constrictive (affricates).
When an occlusive consonant is produced, the air stream meets a complete obstruction in the mouth cavity. Occlusive noise consonants are also called plosives as they are produced with a kind of slight explosion when the obstruction is released.
Constrictive consonants are those in the production of which the air stream meets an incomplete obstruction. Constrictive noise consonants are also called fricatives as the air escapes from the mouth with some friction.
Affricates are noise consonants produced with a complete obstruction which is slowly released and becomes incomplete.
5. According to the active organs of speech consonants may be labial, lingual and glottal.
Labial consonants are made by the lips. They are bilabial (produced only by the lips) or labio-dental (produced by the upper teeth biting the lower lip).