Consonants and Vowels Explained:
Consonants:
* Definition: Sounds produced by partially or completely obstructing the airflow from the lungs.
* Characteristics:
* Usually involve a constriction in the vocal tract, making them sound "noisy".
* Can be voiced (vocal cords vibrating) or unvoiced (vocal cords not vibrating).
* Can be made with the tongue, lips, teeth, or palate.
* Examples: b, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w, x, y, z.
Vowels:
* Definition: Sounds produced with an unobstructed airflow from the lungs.
* Characteristics:
* Usually created by shaping the tongue and mouth, resulting in different tones.
* Are always voiced.
* Examples: a, e, i, o, u.
Important Notes:
* Diphthongs: Combinations of two vowels within a single syllable (e.g., "oi" in "boy", "au" in "house").
* Consonant Clusters: Groups of two or more consonants together (e.g., "str" in "street").
* Languages have different sound systems: The specific consonants and vowels used in a language vary widely.
* Phonetics: The study of speech sounds, including consonants and vowels.
Let me know if you have any further questions about consonants and vowels!