Here's a breakdown:
* Airflow: Consonants are created by obstructing the normal flow of air from your lungs.
* Place of articulation: Where the blockage occurs (e.g., lips, teeth, tongue).
* Manner of articulation: How the airflow is obstructed (e.g., stopping, frication, affrication).
Examples of Consonants:
* B, D, G, P, T, K: These are "stop" consonants where the airflow is completely blocked for a short period.
* F, V, S, Z, TH, SH: These are "fricative" consonants where the airflow is partially blocked, creating friction.
* M, N, NG: These are "nasal" consonants where the airflow is directed through the nose.
* L, R: These are "liquid" consonants where the airflow is partially blocked, but it's more complex than fricatives.
In contrast to vowels: Vowels are sounds created with an open airway, allowing air to flow freely.
Key Points:
* Consonants are typically shorter than vowels.
* Consonants often occur at the beginning and end of syllables.
* There are many more consonants than vowels in most languages.
Understanding consonants is important for pronunciation, spelling, and even understanding the sounds of your own language!