Contrasting Sounds in English
Pairs of sound in English that are made exactly the same except one is voice and the other is not, are called minimal pairs. The sounds in English that are made without using the vocal cords are called "voiceless." Here are some examples:
The sound of /p/ originates at the lips.
The /t/ sound is made with the tongue behind the teeth.
The /k/ is made by blocking the air in the back of the mouth.
Non-native speakers must learn to differentiate these sounds to use them appropriately in speech. If these sounds are voiced, the letters change to /b/, /d/ or /g/. Word meaning changes drastically. For example, "pill" sounds like "bill," "tan" sounds like "Dan," "Kate" sounds like "gate." Miscommunications are inevitable! Your voice coach can help you understand these subtle nuances and take your communication skills to the next level.
