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A diphthong is a single gliding sound produced by the tongue as it moves from one vowel position towards another so that two vowels are pronounced as one syllable and are heard as one unit of sound by the listener.
For example a rapid glide from [a] to [i] results in [ai] as in bite; similarly the fast transition from [a] to [u] produced [au] as in how, and the continuous flow from [o] to [I] produces [oi] as in coy.
While vowels give quality to sound and bring power to the voice, the consonants provide the clarity for diction.
Consonants are sounds that are produced when air passes through an articulator and point of articulation that touch or nearly touch each other.
Consonants are grouped into three main classes according to:
1. Voiced / Voiceless
The level of vibration of the vocal cords determines whether a sound is voiced or unvoiced.
If the vocal cords are apart, then air can escape unimpeded. Sounds produced in this way are said to be voiceless. When you whisper, your glottis is wide open and, therefore, all the sounds produced are voiceless.
However if the vocal cords are very close together, the air will blow them apart as it forces its way through. This makes the cords vibrate, producing a voiced sound.
How to feel the distinction between voiced and unvoiced?
To feel the distinction between voiced and voiceless sounds is very easy. Place your finger and thumb lightly in your throat. Say ssssssss to yourself. Then substitute fffffff and vvvvvvv sounds. You should be able to feel the vibration of the cords when you say zzzzzz and vvvvvv, but nothing when you say sssssss and fffffff.
It is also possible to hear the vibration. Instead of putting your fingers on your throat, put your index fingers in your ears and repeat the above sounds. You should hear a low buzzing sound when you articulate zzzzzz and vvvvvv, but hear almost nothing for the other two sounds.
Voicing is important in a language like English because the meaning of a sound often depends on whether that sound is voiced or not.
For example, 'big' carries a very different meaning from 'pig'.
English has many sounds that are paired up in this manner where articulation and manner are the same, but the meaning is dependent upon whether the sound is voiced or not.
2. MANNER OF FORMATION
Plosives or Stops
- Examples are [p], [b], [t], [d]
- Each sound is accompanied by anexplosion of air that results from the sudden release of breath
Fricatives
- Examples are [f], [v], [z]
- Turbulent and friction like noise is heard as air is forced through a restricted opening
Affricates
- Examples are the [dg], [ch], [sh] sounds
- Slight friction that explodes gradually when held breath is slowly released
Nasals
- Examples are the [m], [n]
- Mouth is blocked at one of teh points of articulation at the same time that the velum is slightly lowered, letting the air pass freely to the nasal cavity and then out of the nostrils
Lateral
- Main example is the [l] or [L] sound
- Articulator is pressed against a point of articulation leaving a small opening that closes most of the air passage.
Semi-vowels
- Examples are [r], [w], [hw]
- Pronounced briefly as the articulators moved rapidly to the vowels so that these sounds glide from one sound to the other.
3. ORGANS INVLOVED
Bilabial Sounds
- Examples are [m], [p], [b], [w], [hw].
- Involved are the upper & lower lip.
Labiodental Sounds
- Examples are [f] and [v]
- Lower lip is pressed against the upper teeth forcing air through this constriction.
Dental Sounds
- Tip of the tongue is placed between the upper teeth and the lower teeth letting air pass through the obstructed passageway.
Alveolar Sounds
- Examples are [t], [d]. [s], [z], [n], [l], [r].
- The tip of the tongue barely touches the alveolar ridge and moves in various directions.
Alveoplatal Sounds
- Example is [y]
- The middle part of the tongue is raised towards the hard palate as air passes through the opening in the constriction.
Velar Sounds
- Examples are [k], [g]
- The back of the tongue touches the velum
Glottal Sound
- Main example is when pronouncing huh
- Passage of the mouth is relatively clear with a slight frodtion produced by the narrowing of the glottis.