Vowel Sounds:
* Airflow: Vowel sounds are produced with a relatively open airflow, meaning there is little obstruction of the air as it travels from the lungs to the mouth.
* Vocal Cords: Vowel sounds are always voiced, meaning the vocal cords vibrate.
* Tongue and Mouth: The tongue's position within the mouth determines the different vowel sounds, but there's no significant constriction of the airflow.
Consonant Sounds:
* Airflow: Consonants are produced by constricting the airflow in the mouth or nose, either partially or completely.
* Vocal Cords: Consonant sounds can be voiced (vocal cords vibrate) or unvoiced (vocal cords don't vibrate).
* Tongue and Mouth: The tongue and mouth create various shapes and positions to create different consonant sounds. These shapes can involve:
* Stopping the airflow completely: Like in "p", "t", and "k".
* Partially obstructing the airflow: Like in "f", "s", and "th".
* Constricting the airflow in the nasal passage: Like in "m", "n", and "ng".
In short:
Vowels are produced with a relatively free flow of air and vibration of the vocal cords. Consonants involve either partially or completely obstructing the airflow in the mouth or nose, and can be voiced or unvoiced.