Ans. Each point at which the air stream can be modified to produce a different sound is called a place of articulation. According to their places of articulation, English consonant phonemes can be divided into following types:
Bilabial: Two lips are the primary articulators. Upper lip touches the lower lip and the resulting sound is called bilabial. English bilabial consonant phonemes are: /p, b, m, w/.
Labiodental: The lower lip makes contact with the upper front teeth and the resulting sound is called labiodental. English labiodental consonant phonemes are: /f, v/.
Interdental: The tongue tip is slightly pushed between the lower and upper front teeth and the resulting sound is called interdental. English interdental consonant phonemes are: /θ, ð/.
Alveolar: The blade or tip and blade of the tongue articulates with the upper alveolar ridge and the resulting sound is called alveolar. English alveolar consonant phonemes are: /t, d, s, z, n, l, r/.
Post-alveolar: The tip of the tongue articulates with the back part of the upper alveolar ridge and the resulting sound is called post-alveolar. English post-alveolar consonant phonemes are: /ʃ, ʒ, ʧ, ʤ/.
Palatal: The front of the tongue articulates with the hard palate and the resulting sound is called palatal. English language has only one palatal consonant phoneme: /j/.
Velar: The back of the tongue makes contact with the soft palate and the resulting sound is called velar. English velar consonant phonemes are: /k, g, ŋ/.
Glottal: There is an obstruction or a narrowing friction but not vibration between vocals folds and the resulting sound is called glottal. English language has only one glottal consonant phoneme: /h/.
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