1. Complete blockage of airflow: They are characterized by a complete closure of the vocal tract, either at the lips (bilabial), teeth (dental/alveolar), or the back of the mouth (velar).
2. Build-up of air pressure: The closure causes a build-up of air pressure in the mouth.
3. Sudden release: The air pressure is then released abruptly, creating a distinct "pop" sound.
4. Brief moment of silence: During the closure, there is a brief moment of silence, which contrasts with the airflow of other consonant types.
5. Different places of articulation: Plosives can be made at different places in the mouth, which creates different sounds. Examples:
* Bilabial: /p/, /b/ (lips together)
* Dental/alveolar: /t/, /d/ (tongue against teeth or alveolar ridge)
* Velar: /k/, /g/ (back of tongue against soft palate)
6. Voice distinction: Plosives can be voiced (vocal cords vibrate) or voiceless (vocal cords don't vibrate).
7. Important for language: Plosives are very common in languages around the world and play a crucial role in distinguishing words and meaning.
Examples:
* "pat" (voiceless alveolar plosive /t/) vs. "bat" (voiced alveolar plosive /d/)
* "cup" (voiceless velar plosive /k/) vs. "cub" (voiced velar plosive /g/)
In summary, plosive sounds are characterized by complete closure, build-up of pressure, sudden release, and a brief silent interval. They are a key part of language and provide a distinct sound that helps us differentiate words and meanings.