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A '''consonant''' is a sound resulting from the partial or total closure of the passage of air that flows from the lungs through the larynx (voice-box) and the mouth.In [[Linguistics]], consonants are described by the parts of the mouth which come into contact, the state of the air flow, and the state of the larynx.  

A '''consonant''' is a sound resulting from the partial or total closure of the passage of air that flows from the lungs through the larynx (voice-box) and the mouth.In [[Linguistics]], consonants are described by the parts of the mouth which come into contact, the state of the air flow, and the state of the larynx.  

== Parts of the mouth ==

=== Parts of the mouth ===

The names used for the parts of the mouth are derived from Latin. They are: the lips (''labial''), the teeth (''dental'', which usually refers not to the teeth themselves but a position just behind them), the ridge approximately one half-inch behind the teeth (''alveolar''), the hard palate or "roof" of the mouth (''palatal''), and the soft flap hanging down at the back of the mouth (''uvular'').  

The names used for the parts of the mouth are derived from Latin. They are: the lips (''labial''), the teeth (''dental'', which usually refers not to the teeth themselves but a position just behind them), the ridge approximately one half-inch behind the teeth (''alveolar''), the hard palate or "roof" of the mouth (''palatal''), and the soft flap hanging down at the back of the mouth (''uvular'').  

Occasionally, the tongue may move towards the hard palate during the pronunciation of the consonant, such as in the -TCH- of ''kitchen''. When this happens, the consonant is said to be ''palatalized''.

Occasionally, the tongue may move towards the hard palate during the pronunciation of the consonant, such as in the -TCH- of ''kitchen''. When this happens, the consonant is said to be ''palatalized''.

== Air flow ==

=== Air flow ===

A consonant may be produced by fully closing off the passage of air, known as a ''stop'' or ''plosive''. For example, the -PP- in ''apple''. Alternatively, the passage may be partially closed and air forced through it, and the resulting consonant is described as a ''fricative'', such as the V in ''even''.  

A consonant may be produced by fully closing off the passage of air, known as a ''stop'' or ''plosive''. For example, the -PP- in ''apple''. Alternatively, the passage may be partially closed and air forced through it, and the resulting consonant is described as a ''fricative'', such as the V in ''even''.  

Within the group known as ''fricatives'', some further groups are defined. Consonants such as S or Z are known as ''spirants''. Consonants in which the air flow changes direction are known as ''continuants'': N and M redirect the air flow to the nose, and are said to be ''nasal continuants'', while L redirects the air stream sideways in the mouth and is called a ''lateral continuant''.  

Within the group known as ''fricatives'', some further groups are defined. Consonants such as S or Z are known as ''spirants''. Consonants in which the air flow changes direction are known as ''continuants'' or ''approximants'', depending on the nature of the change of air flow.

Compound consonants, such as the DG in ''edge'', combine a stop with a fricative. These are known as ''affricates''.  

Compound consonants, such as the DG in ''edge'', combine a stop with a fricative. These are known as ''affricates''.  

One sound, H, is formed by increasing the rate of exhalation, and is therefore called an ''aspirate''.  

One sound, H, is formed by increasing the rate of exhalation, and is therefore called an ''aspirate''.  

== Voicing ==

=== Voicing ===

A consonant is said to be "voiced" if the larynx is activated, and "voiceless" if the larynx is not activated. This simple distinction defines the difference between pairs such as B and P, V and F, G and K, J and CH, D and T, etc.  

A consonant is said to be "voiced" if the larynx is activated, and "voiceless" if the larynx is not activated. This simple distinction defines the difference between pairs such as B and P, V and F, G and K, J and CH, D and T, etc.  

You can feel the difference if you place your fingers on your larynx (the Adam's apple) and slowly pronounce the words ''thin'' and ''then''. You will notice that the larynx vibrates for the TH in ''then'', but not in ''thin''. Linguists would describe the TH in ''thin'' as being a ''voiceless interdental fricative'', and the TH of ''then'' as being a ''voiced interdental fricative''.  

You can feel the difference if you place your fingers on your larynx (the Adam's apple) and slowly pronounce the words ''thin'' and ''then''. You will notice that the larynx vibrates for the TH in ''then'', but not in ''thin''. Linguists would describe the TH in ''thin'' as being a ''voiceless interdental fricative'', and the TH of ''then'' as being a ''voiced interdental fricative''.  

[[Category:Linguistics]]

[[Category:Linguistics]]