Mastering Voiceless Labiodental Fricatives (V) and Voiced Bilabial Plosives (B) in English

English pronunciation can sometimes be challenging, especially for speakers whose native languages do not distinguish between certain sounds. Two such sounds are the voiceless labiodental fricative (/v/) and the voiced bilabial plosive (/b/). Understanding the subtle differences between these sounds is crucial for clear and accurate pronunciation. In this article, we will explore the differences between /b/ and /v/, auditory discrimination training, and the practical steps to master these sounds.

The Differences Between /b/ and /v/ in English

Both /b/ and /v/ are voiced sounds, meaning the vocal cords vibrate during their production. However, the manner in which these sounds are produced is quite different:

Voiced Bilabial Plosive (/b/)

/b/ is a voiced bilabial plosive, which means it is produced by bringing the two lips together, completely occluding the airflow, and then releasing the closure with a burst of air. During the production of /b/, the vocal cords are vibrating, and the entire pathway through the nose at the top of the throat is closed off. If the pathway remains open, it can sound more like the voiced bilabial stop /m/.

Voiced Labiodental Fricative (/v/)

/v/ is a voiced labiodental fricative, where the upper teeth lightly touch the lower lip, allowing a steady stream of air to escape between the front teeth. The vocal cords are vibrating during this sound, as well. Unlike /b/, which involves a complete closure followed by a burst of air, /v/ is a friction sound produced by a continuous stream of air.

Challenges for Non-Native Speakers

Asian speakers, in particular, often face difficulties in distinguishing between /b/ and /v/ because these sounds do not exist in their native languages. This lack of differentiation can lead to mispronunciations and misunderstandings. To improve your pronunciation, it is essential to engage in specific auditory discrimination training.

Auditory Discrimination Training

Auditory discrimination training involves listening exercises that focus on the subtle differences between similar-sounding words. This is crucial because, until you can consistently differentiate between /b/ and /v/, it is unlikely that you will be able to pronounce these sounds correctly.

One effective method involves practicing with minimal pairs—words that are phonetically identical except for the target sound. For example:

ban / van boat / vote berry / very pagan / vegan pat / fat pour / four pin / fin cap / calf gibbon / given I bow down / I vow lob / love daub / dove habit / Have it

Whisper the words and point to the correct pronunciation until you can easily identify the difference. You can find more minimal pairs for /b/ and /v/ on Google to expand your practice.

Practical Steps to Mastering /v/ and /b/

Once you feel comfortable with the auditory discrimination, you can start working on producing the sounds themselves. Here are some steps to follow:

Blowing Air Through the Teeth

To produce the /v/ sound, bite your bottom lip and gently release air between your bottom lip and top teeth. Start with nonsensical syllables to avoid the interference of old habits.

Sound Examples:

f..ah f..oh f..oo uh..v ee.v ay .v oo..f..oo

Adding the Vocal Cord Vibration

Add the vocal cord vibration to your practice. Once you can consistently produce the air stream with your teeth, introduce the vibration by gently touching your recorder against your throat. This will help you feel the vibration of your vocal cords.

Speaking with Confident Words

Once you have practiced the sounds and can produce them consistently, it's time to apply them to real words. Start with simple words and gradually move to more complex phrases and sentences.

Examples:

Give (Gi.v) Very (v.e.r) Vast () Four (f.o.ur) Five (f.i.v)

Conclusion

Mastering the distinction between /b/ and /v/ might take time and practice, but with consistent effort and the right techniques, you can significantly improve your English pronunciation. Utilize auditory discrimination exercises and practical pronunciation exercises to help you achieve this goal. Good luck with your studies!