Degrees of Constriction and Locations of Constriction

A set of vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes on degrees of constriction and locations of constriction in phonetics.

Degrees of Constriction

Refers to the varying levels of airflow restriction during speech sounds, characterized by how open or closed the articulatory channel is.

Voiced Consonants

Consonants produced with vibration of the vocal cords, often having less constriction compared to voiceless consonants.

Stop Consonants

Consonants formed by complete closure of the vocal tract, stopping airflow momentarily before releasing it.

Fricatives

Consonants that are produced by forcing air through a narrow constriction which creates turbulence.

Lingual Consonants

Consonants articulated using the tongue in contact with various locations in the oral cavity.

Lateral Bracing

The contact made by the sides of the tongue against the teeth or mouth to aid in directing airflow.

Medial Bracing

Occurs when the tongue contacts the roof of the mouth along its center, essential for producing lateral sounds.

Periodic Constrictions

Constrictive movements resulting in a trill, similar to vocal fold phonation, requiring specific tongue tension.

Taps and Flaps

Types of consonants that represent lighter or quicker stops, involving minimal or no overshoot.

Retroflex Constrictions

A method of articulation where the tongue tip curls backward against the upper mouth, producing distinctive sounds.

Approximants

Sounds produced with a constriction that is not tight enough to fully disrupt airflow, retaining some qualities of vowels.

Tongue Bracing

Contact made by the tongue against various surfaces in the oral cavity that supports the articulation process.