* Closing off the air completely: This happens in sounds like "p", "t", and "k" where the air is blocked by your lips or tongue.
* Partially blocking the air: Sounds like "f", "s", and "th" are made by letting a small amount of air escape through the mouth.
* Vibrating the vocal cords: This is done with sounds like "m", "n", and "ng", where your vocal cords vibrate against each other.
Here's a breakdown of key characteristics:
* Airflow: Consonants usually involve some obstruction of airflow, unlike vowels which are characterized by open airflow.
* Place of articulation: This refers to where in your mouth the obstruction is created. For example, "p", "b", and "m" are all made with the lips, while "t", "d", and "n" are made with the tongue against the roof of the mouth.
* Manner of articulation: This describes how the air is obstructed. Examples include stops (like "p", "t", and "k"), fricatives (like "f", "s", and "th"), and nasals (like "m", "n", and "ng").
* Voiced/Unvoiced: A consonant is voiced if the vocal cords vibrate while producing the sound (like "b", "d", and "g"). If the vocal cords don't vibrate, it's unvoiced (like "p", "t", and "k").
Consonants are essential for understanding and speaking any language. They help create the different sounds that make up words and provide the structure for spoken language.