Dental Sibilant:
The term “dental sibilant” refers to a specific type of consonant sound that is produced with the tip of the tongue placed against the upper front teeth.
This results in a hissing or sibilant sound. In Chinese, there are 3 dental sibilants, which are “z,” “c,” and “s.”
Tips for the “z” sound:
- Place the tip of your tongue against the alveolar ridge (the area just behind the upper front teeth) and release a burst of air while creating slight friction by narrowing the passage between your tongue and the ridge.
- The “z” sound is similar to the “ds” sound in the English word “rods.”
Tips for the “c” sound:
- This is an aspirated voiceless alveolar affricate sound.
- Position your tongue against the alveolar ridge and build up air pressure behind it.
- Then release the air with a burst, creating a slightly explosive sound.
- The “c” sound is similar to the “ts” sound in the English word “pets.”
Tips for the “s” sound:
- Keep your tongue close to the alveolar ridge without completely blocking the airflow.
- Let the air pass through a narrow gap between your tongue and the ridge, creating a continuous hissing sound.
- The “s” sound is similar to the “s” sound in the English word “rice.”