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/ (the voiceless dental fricative).

• It is produced by placing the tip of the tongue lightly against the upper teeth — hence, dental.

• a) Alveolar → Sounds like /t/, /d/, /s/, /z/ (tongue against alveolar ridge, not teeth).

• c) Glottal → Sounds produced at the glottis, like /h/.

• d) Velar → Sounds produced with the back of the tongue against the soft palate (velum), like /k/, /g/, /ŋ/.