Here are some key characteristics of consonants:
* Airflow obstruction: Unlike vowels, where air flows freely, consonants involve a blockage or narrowing of the airflow.
* Place of articulation: Where in the mouth the obstruction occurs (e.g., lips, teeth, tongue, palate).
* Manner of articulation: How the airflow is obstructed (e.g., stopping, friction, affrication).
* Voicing: Whether the vocal cords vibrate during the sound (voiced) or not (voiceless).
Examples of consonants:
* Stops: /p/, /b/, /t/, /d/, /k/, /g/
* Fricatives: /f/, /v/, /θ/, /ð/, /s/, /z/, /ʃ/, /ʒ/, /h/
* Affricates: /tʃ/, /dʒ/
* Nasals: /m/, /n/, /ŋ/
* Liquids: /l/, /r/
* Glides: /w/, /j/
Note: Consonants play a vital role in language, helping to distinguish between words and create different sounds.