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. |
/n/ | Your tongue is against the ridge behind the top teeth. | | | | The air flows through the nose. | The vocal cords vibrate. |
/t/ | The tongue will come up. The front part will touch the roof of the mouth behind the top teeth. Then it will pull down to release the air. | | | The teeth are together. Then they separate. | Air passes through the mouth. First, the air stops. Then, it flows. | The vocal cords do not vibrate. |