Places of articulation

When we speak in English or another language, we use parts of the mouth to make sounds. These places are called places of articulation, and they indicate where in the mouth or throat the sound is formed. Below, I will show you the most important ones: 

Bilabial                                                                  

• Both lips are used.

• Examples: /p/, /b/, /m/                      
  

Labiodental

• The bottom lip touches the top teeth.

• Examples: /f/, /v/ 

Dental

• The tongue touches the upper teeth.                         
  

• Examples: /θ/, /ð/

 Alveolar

• The tongue touches a hard area just behind the upper teeth.

• Examples: /t/, /d/, /s/, /z/, /n/, /l/

 Palatal

• The tongue touches the palate, which is the hard part on the roof of the mouth.  
  

• Examples: /ʃ/ (sh), /ʒ/, /tʃ/ (ch), /dʒ/ (j), /j/ (y)

Velar

• The back part of the tongue touches the soft palate (the velum). 
  

• Examples: /k/, /g/, /ŋ/

Glottal

• The sound is made in the throat.                                           
  

• Example: /h/