The Consonants are traditionally recognized as the sounds
which shape and articulate our speech. When someone is said
to have "sloppy speech" or is hard to understand, generally it is
because they have underplayed consonants. At the other end of the
scale are speakers who are overly precise, sometimes described as
"clipped speech". Some ESL speakers, in their diligent efforts to
"speak clearly", will give too hard a treatment to some consonants.
People
learning ESL need to clearly distinguish between the Voiced
and Unvoiced pairs of consonants, like "B" and "P".
Most ESL learners need to work on getting more vocal cord vibration
into their Voiced Consonants. The Animations showing points of contact
with the lips, the teeth, the tongue, the gums, and the hard palate
will not only help your articulation, but will conduct strong vocal
cord vibration. The results will be consonants that are both strong
and sweet.
Animation
of DG
A
combination of the D drumbeat
with the ZH resonance.
DG
Word List
Use
a light, quick, energetic staccato treatment.
DG Sentences
1)
Playing the Consonants for Full Musical Value
Repeat:
2) Using the Consonants to Support the Meaning
Animation
of DZ
Press
the tongue against the upper gumridge for the D drumbeat
and peel the tip down a bit as the Z vibrates just before
the tongue springs away.
DZ
Word List
Use
a light staccato treatment--without sustaining the Z.
