What is a feature of post-alveolar sounds in phonetics?

Prepare for the LET English Exam with an array of interactive flashcards and multiple choice quizzes, each containing helpful hints and detailed explanations. Get ready to succeed!

Post-alveolar sounds are characterized by their articulation position, which occurs just behind the alveolar ridge, where the tongue makes contact or comes close to the roof of the mouth. This placement is crucial in defining post-alveolar sounds, as it distinguishes them from alveolar sounds, which are produced directly at the alveolar ridge.

By being articulated behind the alveolar ridge, these sounds can exhibit more complex tongue movements and varying degrees of contact with the roof of the mouth, contributing to their unique acoustic properties. This positioning enables certain sounds, such as "sh" in "ship" or "zh" in "measure," to emerge distinctly from both alveolar and other types of sounds.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy