Aids to the Pronunciation of Irish/Chapter 2
CHAPTER II.
Voiced and Voiceless Sounds.
3. Whenever a sound is said to be voiced, all that is intended to be conveyed is that the vocal chords take part in the production of the sound. When a sound is said to be voiceless, we mean that the vocal chords take no part in its production.
4. Press the forefinger on the pharynx, just above the larynx, and pronounce the word “bus” (omnibus), prolonging the hissing sound of the “s” for, at least, five or six seconds. The finger feels no vibration during the sounding of the “s,” though a short trill is felt at the commencement of the word. Now pronounce the word “buzz” prolonging the “z” for five or six seconds. During the whole time the finger feels a distinct trilling sensation, shewing that the vocal chords vibrate whilst we are sounding “z,” though they do not vibrate for the sound of “s.” Notice also that the tongue is in exactly the same position for “z” as for “s.” Hence the only difference between the sounds of “s” and of “z” is that “z” is voiced whilst “s” is voiceless; nevertheless we distinctly hear the “s” sound.
Pronounce the word “life” maintaining the sound of the “f” for five or six seconds. No vibration is felt by the finger when pressed on the pharynx during the sounding of “f.” Next pronounce the word “live” prolonging the “v.” The vocal chords are felt vibrating, just as in the case of “z.” Since the lips and tongue are in precisely the same position for “v” as for “f,” the only difference between these two consonants is that the vocal chords vibrate for “v” whilst they do not for “f.” Thus, “v” is voiced, “f” is voiceless.
Repeat with the words “cape” and “cabe” A marked difference is now perceived. We cannot prolong the sound of “p” or “b” as we prolonged that of “f,” “v,” “s” and “z.” Nevertheless a short vibration is felt during the formation of the “b,” whilst the vocal chords are at rest in the case of “p.” Thus, “b” is voiced, “p” is voiceless.
5. The student is recommended to test thus each pair of consonants given in the table in Chapter V. Progress is impossible without a constant and careful study of the way in which we ourselves pronounce the various sounds.
To sum up:—
| z | is the | voiced | sound of | s |
| v | „ | „ | „ | f |
| b | „ | „ | „ | p |
| d | „ | „ | „ | t |
| g | „ | „ | „ | k |