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Vocal Tract Image: Places of Articulation of Hanyu
  1. Nostril
  2. Nasal Cavity
  3. Lips
  4. Teeth
  5. Alveolar Ridge
  6. Hard Palate
  7. Soft Palate (Venum)
  8. Uvula
  9. Oral Cavity
  10. Tip of Tongue (Apex)
  11. Blade of Tongue (Lamina)
  12. Back of Tongue (Dorsum)
  13. Root of Tongue (Radix)
  14. Pharynx
  15. Epiglottis
  16. Vocal Cords/ Vocal Folds
  17. Glottis
Download Hanyu Pinyin Pronunciation Chart (1.21MB)

2.1 Initials: b, p, m, f

Bilabial: articulated with both lips

b Close both lips(3) tightly to stop airflow in both the oral cavity(9) and nasal cavity(2). Then reopen suddenly to produce a bursting sound.
p Close both lips(3) tightly to stop airflow in both the oral cavity(9) and nasal cavity(2). Then reopen suddenly and produce a bursting sound with a strong stream of air.
m Close both lips(3) tightly and then lower the soft palate(7) to reopen the route of the nasal cavity(2) to allow air to escape through the nose(1). Involves vocal cords(16) vibration.

Labio-dental: articulated with the lower lip(3) and the upper teeth(4)

f Upper front teeth(4) and the lower lip(3) are brought very close together. Air is forced through this narrow opening to produce a continuous hissing sound.


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