Sound | Tongue | Lips | Jaw | Teeth | Air | Vocal Chords |
---|
/ˈ/ | | | | | | |
/h/ | The position of the tongue depends on the sound that comes next. | The lips are open to let the air go through. | | There is a separation between the teeth. | Air passes through the mouth. | 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. |
/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. |
/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. |