the sounds of language the sounds of language | Page 2

PHONETICS Voiced and voiceless sounds The general study of the characteristic s of speech sounds is called phonetics 1. 2. When the vocal folds are spread apart, the air from the lungs passes between them unimpeded. Sounds produced in this way are described as voiceless. When the vocal folds are drawn together, the air from the lungs repeatedly pushes them apart as it passes through, creating avibration effect. Sounds produced in this way are described as voiced.