Fricatives and Stops

Fricative sounds

Make the sound s. Air passes through a small space between the tongue and the ridge behind the upper teeth. A sound made by forcing air through a small opening is called a fricative.

Now make the sound f. Air passes through the space between the lower lip and upper teeth. This is also a fricative.

English fricative sounds include: s, z, sh, th, f, v.

Stop sounds

Make the sound t. The airflow is completely blocked for a moment and then released in one strong burst. A sound made by blocking and then releasing the air is called a stop.

Now make k. The airflow is again blocked and then released.

English stop sounds include: t, k, g, b, p.