Modification of sounds in English

Articulatory classification of English vowels. Problems of diphthongs.

Articulatory classification of English consonants. Problems of affricates.

The System of the English Phonemes. Alternations and Modifications of Speech Sounds In English

Picture 1 – English Phonemes

1. There are two major classes of sounds traditionally distinguished in any language - consonants and vowels. The opposition "vowels vs. consonants" is a linguistic universal. The distinction is based mainly on auditory effect. Consonants are known to have voice and noise combined, while vowels are sounds consisting of voice only. From the articulatory point of view the difference is due to the work of speech organs. In case of vowels no obstruction is made, so on the perception level their integral characteristic is tone, not noise. In case of consonants various obstructions are made. So consonants are characterized by a complete, partial or intermittent blockage of the air passage. The closure is formed in such a way that the air stream is blocked or hindered or otherwise gives rise to audible friction. As a result consonants are sounds which have noise as their indispensable characteristic.

Phoneticians classify consonants according to the following principles:

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