Question

The tongue plays a crucial role in the articulation of:

• A. Only vowel sounds
• B. Only consonant sounds
• C. Both vowel and consonant sounds
• D. Only nasal sounds

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Both vowel and consonant sounds

The tongue plays a crucial role in the articulation of both vowel and consonant sounds because it is the most flexible and active articulator in speech production.

Role of the Tongue in Speech Articulation:

1. Vowel Sounds:

   • The tongue's height (high, mid, low) and position (front, central, back) determine vowel quality.

   • Example: /i/ (seat), /u/ (food), /æ/ (cat), /ɑ/ (father).

2. Consonant Sounds:

   • The tongue interacts with different articulation points to produce consonants.

   • Example:

     • Alveolar sounds: /t, d, n, l/ (tongue touches the alveolar ridge).

     • Palatal sounds: /j/ (tongue contacts the hard palate).

     • Velar sounds: /k, g, ŋ/ (tongue contacts the soft palate)