About articulation S sound.
Is it true that there are two common ways of articulation S and Z sound. Can I use any of these?

1.Our teeth are closed, lips are open and retracted slightly (small smile), tongue tip is barely touching our "bump on the roof of our mouth" and the air "slides" out of our mouth.

2. Our teeth are closed, lips are open and retracted slightly (small smile), tongue tip is barely touching just behind the bottom two front teeth and the air "slides" out of our mouth.

Question

About articulation S sound.
Is it true that there are two common ways of articulation S and Z sound. Can I use any of these?

1.Our teeth are closed, lips are open and retracted slightly (small smile), tongue tip is barely touching our "bump on the roof of our mouth" and the air "slides" out of our mouth.

2. Our teeth are closed, lips are open and retracted slightly (small smile), tongue tip is barely touching just behind the bottom two front teeth and the air "slides" out of our mouth.

Answer

Theoretically, the first description is closer to how the sound is produced, with the tongue pressed against the top front teeth.  The best way however is to listen to native speakers and try to reproduce the sound, your tongue will find the right position if you concentrate on replicating the sound.  Focusing too much on where your tongue is, or if your lips are correctly parted, will just distract you and ultimately produce a more artificial/forced sound.

Answer

Listen.

Answers · 2

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