Sound | Tongue | Lips | Jaw | Teeth | Air | Vocal Chords |
---|
/ˈ/ | | | | | | |
/b/ | | The lips start together. Then they separate. | | There is a small gap between the teeth. | First, the air stops. Then, it flows. | The vocal cords vibrate. |
/ɑ/ | The tongue is flat and low in the mouth. The tongue is in the center of the mouth. The tip of the tongue touches the back of the bottom front teeth. | The lips remain relaxed in a neutral position. | The jaw drops, opening the mouth as wide as possible. | | | The vocal cords vibrate. |
/r/ | The tongue forms an arch near the roof of the mouth. It does not touch any part of the mouth. | | | | The air flows through a narrow space in your mouth. | The vocal cords vibrate. |
/n/ | Your tongue is against the ridge behind the top teeth. | | | | The air flows through the nose. | The vocal cords vibrate. |