Question

The initial sound in the word thin is a:

• A. Alveolar
• B. Dental
• C. Glottal
• D. Velar

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Dental

The initial sound in "thin" is /θ/ (as in think), which is a voiceless dental fricative.

• It is produced by placing the tongue against the upper teeth, hence dental.

• Alveolar: tongue against the alveolar ridge (e.g., /t/, /d/, /s/, /z/)

• Glottal: produced at the glottis (e.g., /h/)

• Velar: back of the tongue against the soft palate or velum (e.g., /k/, /g/, /ŋ/)

So, /θ/ in "thin" is clearly dental.