Sound | Tongue | Lips | Jaw | Teeth | Air | Vocal Chords |
---|
/ˈ/ | | | | | | |
/k/ | The back part of the tongue reaches up and touches the soft palate, cutting off the air. The tongue pulls away and the air flows. | The lips position to adjust the sound that comes next. | | | Air passes through the mouth. First, the air stops. Then, it flows. | The vocal cords do not 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. |
/ʧ/ | Raise the front part of your tongue toward the hard palate, the bony roof of your mouth just behind your upper teeth. The sides of your tongue should touch your upper molars. The tip of your tongue should be behind your upper front teeth. | Keep your lips slightly apart and relaxed. | Keep your jaw slightly open and relaxed. | Touch your upper and lower teeth lightly together. | Push air out of your lungs, through your mouth and over your tongue. | Keep your vocal cords apart, so that the sound is voiceless. |