English Consonants - Quality of sound

As mentioned previously, we can categorise consonants via the quality of their sound.  Here is the full list of English consonants listed via alphabetic letters (rather than phonetic symbols) in relation to their quality of sound.  In each list the voiceless preceeds the voiced sound:

• Plosive           put butter;  ten den; king gun;

• Fricative         fine vine; with then;  said zest; shall pleasure; hello;

• Affricative      church judge;

• Nasal             mountain;  nest;  and king  (voiced through nose)

• Rolled            ran (voiced)

• Lateral           limit William well (voiced)

It is important to be aware that regional differences occur across the English-speaking world.  Take these into account when working with spoken English in your country and city

Of interest is that people who are learning English for the first time will hear some of these sounds differently cmpared with many native English speakers.  For instance, the lateral sound can be influenced by its proximity to some vowels and consonants; this accounts for some of the differences in the quality of the sound that occur.  It can be most confusing to new learners of the language!

Explore more about accent adjustments and make contact with me to discuss your individual requirements.