Vowels
* Sound: Vowels are sounds made with your mouth relatively open, allowing air to flow freely.
* Production: Your tongue and lips don't obstruct the airflow significantly when making vowel sounds.
* Examples: a, e, i, o, u (and sometimes y) in the English alphabet. Think of the sounds in words like "cat," "bed," "see," "go," "up."
Consonants
* Sound: Consonants are sounds made by partially or completely blocking the airflow in your mouth.
* Production: Your tongue, lips, or teeth constrict the airflow, creating a distinct sound.
* Examples: b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, q, r, s, t, v, w, x, y, z. Think of the sounds in words like "bat," "car," "dog," "fan," "gate," and so on.
Key Differences
* Airflow: Vowels have free airflow; consonants have restricted airflow.
* Mouth Shape: Vowels have open mouths; consonants involve tongue, lip, or tooth movements.
* Function: Vowels typically form the core of syllables; consonants are often found at the beginning and end of syllables.
Remember: The precise sound of a vowel or consonant can vary depending on the language you're speaking and the specific words they are in.