What are the four criteria for classifying consonants? 1- Mode of articulation: it is the way in which consonants are articulated. According to th...

What are the four criteria for classifying consonants?

1- Mode of articulation: it is the way in which consonants are articulated. According to the mode of articulation, consonants can be occlusive or constrictive. a- In occlusives, there is a total blockage of air. b- In constrictives, there is a partial blockage of air. 2- Point of articulation: it is the place where the air stream is articulated (lips, teeth, palate...). According to the point where it is articulated, consonants are classified as: a - bilabials- lips + lips. b- labiodentals- lips + upper teeth. C- linguodentals- tongue + upper teeth. d- alveolars- tongue + alveolars of the teeth. e- palatals- back of the tongue + palate. f- velars- upper part of the tongue + soft palate.
3- Voicing: it is the vibration of the vocal cords during the articulation of the consonant. Consonants can be voiced or unvoiced. a- In voiced consonants, the vocal cords vibrate. b- In unvoiced consonants, the vocal cords do not vibrate. 4- Nasality: it is the passage of air through the nasal cavity during the articulation of the consonant. Consonants can be nasal or oral. a- In nasal consonants, air passes through the nasal cavity. b- In oral consonants, air passes through the mouth.