The primary constriction between the tongue and the upper teeth.

The primary constriction between the tongue and the upper teeth.

• A. Alveolar
• B. Palatal
• C. Interdental
• D. Velar

Answer: (C)

This item tests the interdental place of articulation—where the main tongue constriction occurs between the teeth. When the tongue tip or blade sits between the upper and lower teeth, the sounds produced are the interdental consonants, like the English “th” sounds in think and this. That location is distinct from the other places: alveolar involve the tongue touching or approaching the alveolar ridge right behind the upper teeth (as in t, d, s, n); palatal uses the body of the tongue against the hard palate (as in y, sh, ch); velar uses the back of the tongue against the soft palate (as in k, g, ng). A quick way to remember is to notice whether the tongue actually sits between the teeth—the feel of that placement points to the interdental position.

This item tests the interdental place of articulation—where the main tongue constriction occurs between the teeth. When the tongue tip or blade sits between the upper and lower teeth, the sounds produced are the interdental consonants, like the English “th” sounds in think and this. That location is distinct from the other places: alveolar involve the tongue touching or approaching the alveolar ridge right behind the upper teeth (as in t, d, s, n); palatal uses the body of the tongue against the hard palate (as in y, sh, ch); velar uses the back of the tongue against the soft palate (as in k, g, ng). A quick way to remember is to notice whether the tongue actually sits between the teeth—the feel of that placement points to the interdental position.