Non-sonorant

In phonetics, 'non-sonorant' describes speech sounds that are produced without the resonance typical of sonorants. Sonorants, like vowels, nasals, and approximants, allow air to pass relatively freely through the vocal tract, causing vibration and creating a rich, resonant sound. Non-sonorants, conversely, involve a significant obstruction or closure of the vocal tract, leading to a less resonant, often noisy sound. These sounds are characterized by a constriction or complete blockage of airflow, encompassing obstruents such as stops (plosives), fricatives, and affricates. This category is critical for understanding sound systems in languages.

Non-sonorant meaning with examples

• The English word 'cat' begins with a non-sonorant, the voiceless stop /k/, where airflow is completely blocked. This contrasts with the vowel sound /æ/. The quick pronunciation and blocked flow in 'cat' are examples of non-sonorant sounds. Notice the initial 'c' sound and how it contrasts with the vowel sound of the word.
• When pronouncing 'ship', the initial 'sh' sound is a non-sonorant fricative, involving a narrow channel of air. The 'sh' sound relies on friction between the tongue and teeth. This contrasts with vowels such as 'ah' which involves relatively open airflows. Contrast the way 'sh' sounds vs 'ah'.
• Consider the word 'judge'. The 'j' sound is a non-sonorant affricate, a combination of a stop and a fricative. Airflow is initially blocked then released into a friction. Notice how the tongue blocks and creates a sudden sound. Contrast it against a vowel sound like 'u' as in up.
• In contrast to the nasal sounds like 'm' in 'man', the 't' in 'tap' is a non-sonorant. In nasals, the airflow goes through the nasal cavity with resonance. In 'tap', however, the airflow through the mouth is fully blocked at first. Notice the contrast.