Manner of Articulation

At most places of articulation there are several basic ways in which articulation can be accomplished. The articulators may close off the oral tract for an instant or a relatively long period; they may narrow the space considerably; or they may simply modify the shape of the tract by approaching each other[14]. A summary of the manners of articulation is described as follows:

• Plosive - Soft palate raised, forming a velic closure; complete closure of two articulators.
• Nasal - Soft palate lowered so that air flows out through the nose; complete closure
• Fricative - Narrowing of two articulators so as to produce a turbulent airstream.
• Affricate - Initial closure of vocal tract followed by gradual release producing turbulence.
• Tap or Flap - Tongue tip hitting the roof of the mouth.
• Approximant - Approximation of two articulators without producing a turbulent airstream.