Describe the main difference in the articulation of the phonemes /s/ and /z/. (In other words, what do we do differently when we say ‘sssssssss’ and then say ‘zzzzzzzz’?)

Both /s/ and /z/ phonemes are alveolar fricatives and also sibilants (they are articulated through the use of the tongue placed against the alveolar ridge, producing a hissing sound). However, the difference between them lies in the manner of articulation, namely the nature of voice. /s/ phoneme is voiceless, which means that the vocal cords of a person that articulates it are apart, and the airflow moves freely into the oral cavity from the larynx. In turn, the /z/ phoneme is voiced, meaning that the vocal cords of an articulator are close together, so the airstream is somewhat obstructed, and, as a result, the vocal cords vibrate.

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Academic.Tips. (2023) 'Describe the main difference in the articulation of the phonemes /s/ and /z/. (In other words, what do we do differently when we say ‘sssssssss’ and then say ‘zzzzzzzz’?)'. 10 February.

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Academic.Tips. (2023, February 10). Describe the main difference in the articulation of the phonemes /s/ and /z/. (In other words, what do we do differently when we say ‘sssssssss’ and then say ‘zzzzzzzz’?). https://academic.tips/question/describe-the-main-difference-in-the-articulation-of-the-phonemes-s-and-z-in-other-words-what-do-we-do-differently-when-we-say-sssssssss-and-then-say-zzzzzzzz/

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Academic.Tips. 2023. "Describe the main difference in the articulation of the phonemes /s/ and /z/. (In other words, what do we do differently when we say ‘sssssssss’ and then say ‘zzzzzzzz’?)." February 10, 2023. https://academic.tips/question/describe-the-main-difference-in-the-articulation-of-the-phonemes-s-and-z-in-other-words-what-do-we-do-differently-when-we-say-sssssssss-and-then-say-zzzzzzzz/.

1. Academic.Tips. "Describe the main difference in the articulation of the phonemes /s/ and /z/. (In other words, what do we do differently when we say ‘sssssssss’ and then say ‘zzzzzzzz’?)." February 10, 2023. https://academic.tips/question/describe-the-main-difference-in-the-articulation-of-the-phonemes-s-and-z-in-other-words-what-do-we-do-differently-when-we-say-sssssssss-and-then-say-zzzzzzzz/.


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Academic.Tips. "Describe the main difference in the articulation of the phonemes /s/ and /z/. (In other words, what do we do differently when we say ‘sssssssss’ and then say ‘zzzzzzzz’?)." February 10, 2023. https://academic.tips/question/describe-the-main-difference-in-the-articulation-of-the-phonemes-s-and-z-in-other-words-what-do-we-do-differently-when-we-say-sssssssss-and-then-say-zzzzzzzz/.

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"Describe the main difference in the articulation of the phonemes /s/ and /z/. (In other words, what do we do differently when we say ‘sssssssss’ and then say ‘zzzzzzzz’?)." Academic.Tips, 10 Feb. 2023, academic.tips/question/describe-the-main-difference-in-the-articulation-of-the-phonemes-s-and-z-in-other-words-what-do-we-do-differently-when-we-say-sssssssss-and-then-say-zzzzzzzz/.

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