Learning Materials
Features
Discover
English phonetics comprises a variety of sounds, and one of the most crucial aspects in understanding it is the concept of sonorants. In this article, you will gain a thorough understanding of sonorants, starting with a clear definition and the basic concept behind them. Delve into the different types of sonorants and explore examples to enhance your comprehension of these vital linguistic elements. You will also discover a comprehensive list of sonorant sounds in phonetics. Furthermore, the article examines the distinctions between sonorants and obstruents, providing a clearer picture of the differences between these two categories. In addition, it highlights the similarities between sonorants, vowels, and consonants, as well as how sonorants relate to phonetics in general. This comprehensive exploration of sonorants aims to enrich your understanding of English phonetics and enhance your language learning experience.
Millions of flashcards designed to help you ace your studies
Sign up for freeWhat are the three examples of obstruents?
How do sonorants compare to obstruents in terms of airflow and acoustic properties?
What is the definition of sonorants in linguistics and phonetics?
What are the four types of sonorants?
What are two examples of liquid sonorants?
In what positions can sonorants be found within syllables?
What are two examples of glide sonorants?
What is the main distinguishing feature of sonorants?
What is one way sonorants relate to vowels in phonetics?
What is one reason understanding sonorants is helpful for language learners?
What are the three examples of obstruents?
How do sonorants compare to obstruents in terms of airflow and acoustic properties?
What is the definition of sonorants in linguistics and phonetics?
What are the four types of sonorants?
What are two examples of liquid sonorants?
In what positions can sonorants be found within syllables?
What are two examples of glide sonorants?
What is the main distinguishing feature of sonorants?
What is one way sonorants relate to vowels in phonetics?
What is one reason understanding sonorants is helpful for language learners?
Achieve better grades quicker with Premium
Geld-zurück-Garantie, wenn du durch die Prüfung fällst
Review generated flashcards
Start learning or create your own AI flashcards
Team Sonorants Teachers
When it comes to English phonetics, understanding the role of sonorants is a crucial aspect. They play a significant role in conveying meaning when speaking and listening to the English language.
Sonorants, in linguistics and phonetics, are a group of speech sounds that are characterised by a continuous and non-turbulent airflow when produced. They are often perceived as being more sonorous (musically sounding) than other speech sounds.
The main distinguishing feature of sonorants is that they have little or no constriction in the vocal tract when produced. This allows sound to resonate more freely, creating a harmonious tone. Sonorants can serve both as vowels and consonants.
There are several types of sonorants, including the following:
Below is a table displaying examples of sonorant sounds in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).
| Type | Symbol | Word |
| Nasal | /m/ | man |
| Nasal | /n/ | not |
| Nasal | /ŋ/ | long |
| Liquid | /l/ | look |
| Liquid | /r/ | right |
| Glides | /j/ | yes |
| Glides | /w/ | win |
| Vowel | /a/ | ran |
| Vowel | /e/ | met |
| Vowel | /i/ | feet |
Sonorants differ from obstruents in their acoustic properties and airflow production. Obstruents are characterised by a turbulent airflow, with major constrictions in the vocal tract. They include stops, fricatives, and affricates.
Examples of obstruents are:
In contrast, sonorants have a continuous, unimpeded airflow and greater sonority.
Sonorants share characteristics with both consonants and vowels, forming a bridge between them. They're often found within syllables, either the nucleus or the onset/coda.
Sonorant vowels are similar to regular vowels in that they're both produced with minimal constriction in the vocal tract. However, the vocal tract configuration varies, generating different resonance patterns and acoustic characteristics. In phonetics, sonorant vowels' focus is more on these unique resonances, rather than the basic vowel quality.
Understanding sonorants opens up a world of phonetic complexity, enhancing your grasp of English phonetics and how various speech sounds relate to one another. Recognising the specific characteristics of sonorants helps not only linguistic students but also language learners acquiring a more accurate pronunciation and aural comprehension of the English language.
Sonorants definition: speech sounds characterized by continuous, non-turbulent airflow and little or no constriction in the vocal tract.
Types of sonorants: nasals (e.g., /m/, /n/, /ŋ/), liquids (e.g., /l/, /r/), glides (e.g., /j/, /w/), and vowels (e.g., /a/, /e/, /i/).
Sonorants vs. obstruents: sonorants have continuous airflow and greater sonority, while obstruents have turbulent airflow and major constrictions in the vocal tract.
Similarities between sonorants, vowels, and consonants: sonorants share characteristics with both consonants and vowels, forming a bridge between them; they can serve as syllable nuclei or onsets/codas.
Sonorants and phonetics: understanding sonorants helps linguistic students and language learners acquire more accurate pronunciation and aural comprehension of the English language.
Sign up for free to gain access to all our flashcards.
At StudySmarter, we have created a learning platform that serves millions of students. Meet the people who work hard to deliver fact based content as well as making sure it is verified.
Lily Hulatt is a Digital Content Specialist with over three years of experience in content strategy and curriculum design. She gained her PhD in English Literature from Durham University in 2022, taught in Durham University’s English Studies Department, and has contributed to a number of publications. Lily specialises in English Literature, English Language, History, and Philosophy.
Get to know Lily
Gabriel Freitas is an AI Engineer with a solid experience in software development, machine learning algorithms, and generative AI, including large language models’ (LLMs) applications. Graduated in Electrical Engineering at the University of São Paulo, he is currently pursuing an MSc in Computer Engineering at the University of Campinas, specializing in machine learning topics. Gabriel has a strong background in software engineering and has worked on projects involving computer vision, embedded AI, and LLM applications.
Get to know Gabriel
Explanations 
Flashcards 
StudySmarter AI 
Notes 
Study Plans 
Study Sets 
Exams 
Find a job 
Student Deals 
Magazine 
Mobile App