Consonant sounds

Kedu nwanne? How una dey? Today, we're diving into something super important for your Oral English exams: Consonant Sounds!

Understanding these sounds will make you speak English better and ace your exams. No long talk, let's go!

What are Consonant Sounds?

A consonant sound is a speech sound that is produced by obstructing (blocking or stopping) the air flow in your mouth or throat as you breathe out. Unlike vowel sounds where air flows freely, consonants need some kind of block.

Imagine you're trying to whisper. That's a consonant thing! Or when you say 'Mummy' – your lips block the air to make the 'm' sound. The air isn't just flowing out anyhow.

Think of it like danfo drivers; sometimes they block the road a little for passengers, but the road is still passable. Consonants are like that; the air gets blocked, but it still finds a way out, or it's released suddenly.

How are Consonants Produced?

We use different parts of our mouth to produce consonant sounds. These include:

Your lips (like when you say 'Papa')

Your teeth (like when you say 'Think')

Your tongue (this one does a lot of work!)

The roof of your mouth (that hard part at the top)

Your throat (for sounds like 'Hausa')

Let's look at some examples you use every day:

The 'p' in Papa or Port Harcourt. Try saying it, you'll feel your lips come together.

The 't' in Tunde or Table. Your tongue touches the ridge behind your upper teeth.

The 'k' in Kano or market. Your tongue touches the back of the roof of your mouth.

The 's' in Sister or Sugar. A gentle hiss sound, air flowing through a narrow gap.

The 'm' in Mummy or Mama. Your lips close completely, and air comes out through your nose (nasal sound!).

It's not just about the letters you see, but the sounds you hear and make. Two letters can make one sound (e.g., 'sh' in shop), or one letter can make different sounds depending on the word.

So, next time you are speaking English, pay attention to how your mouth, tongue, and lips work together to create these sounds. Practice makes perfect, my people! Keep practicing and you will nail your exams!