Introduction
Plosive Continuants are sounds that are produced by a momentary stopping of the air flow through the vocal tract, followed by an (explosive) burst of air. These bursts can be either accompanied by voice, or not. These include B, D, G, K, P, and T.
An example of a voiced plosive is the sound B in the word "bike". An example of a non-voiced plosive is the sound P in the word "paint". With both cases, the intensity of the burst of air should be minimized, with the stretch being applied to the following sound (the I in "bike" or the A in "paint").
Physiology
Physical characteristics of producing Plosive Continuants sounds include:
- Closure of the vocal folds
- Contraction of muscles needed to initiate movement of the air stream
- Momentary damming of the air stream
- Movement of the tongue and lips to a specific location
- Varying the degree on constriction for both the tongue and lips
- Sudden release of the air stream, either accompanied by voice or not