Obstruent sounds are a type of consonant sound that is produced by partially or completely blocking the airflow from the lungs. This blockage can occur at the lips, teeth, or the back of the mouth.
Types of Obstruent Sounds
There are three main types of obstruent sounds:
- Stops: These sounds are created by completely blocking the airflow for a brief period, then releasing it suddenly. Examples include p, b, t, d, k, and g.
- Fricatives: These sounds are produced by creating a narrow passage for the air to flow through, creating friction. Examples include f, v, θ, ð, s, z, ʃ, ʒ, h, and χ.
- Affricates: These sounds combine a stop and a fricative. They begin with a complete blockage of airflow, then release the air with friction. Examples include tʃ and dʒ.
Examples of Obstruent Sounds in English
- Stops: The words pat, bat, top, dot, kick, and gag all begin with stop sounds.
- Fricatives: The words fan, van, thin, then, sun, zoo, ship, vision, hat, and loch all contain fricative sounds.
- Affricates: The words chair and judge both begin with affricate sounds.
Obstruent Sounds vs. Sonorant Sounds
Obstruent sounds are often contrasted with sonorant sounds. Sonorant sounds are produced with less obstruction of airflow and are generally considered to be more "open" sounds. Examples of sonorant sounds include vowels, nasals (m, n, ŋ), liquids (l, r), and glides (w, j).
Importance of Obstruent Sounds
Obstruent sounds play an important role in speech production and perception. They help to create the distinctive sounds of language, which are essential for communication.
