Pronouncing B-, P-
The letters B- and P- are represented by the International Phonetic Alphabet symbols /b/ and /p/.
You will find the B- (/b/) sound in words such as:
body /ˈbɑdi/
abnormal /æbˈnɔrm(ə)l/
cherub /ˈtʃerəb/
cherub /ˈtʃerəb/
You will find the P- (/p/) sound in words such as:
palate /ˈpælət/
apple /ˈæp(ə)l/
ship /ʃɪp/
apple /ˈæp(ə)l/
ship /ʃɪp/
These sounds are what we describe as bilabial sounds.
Bi = two
Labial = relating to lips
So bilabial sounds are sounds that are produced using your two lips. To produce the B- (/b/) and P- (/p/) sounds, begin with your lips pressed together and quickly part them to release air.
The B- (/b/) and P- (/p/) sounds are consonant pairs, so that means that these two sounds are pronounced similarly. B- (/b/) is a voiced consonant, while P- (/p/) is a voiceless consonant. If you place your hand to your neck as you make these sounds you will notice that your vocal cords vibrate the most when you pronounce B- (/b/). When you pronounce P- (/p/), you won’t feel the same kind of vibration from your vocal cords.
Labial = relating to lips
So bilabial sounds are sounds that are produced using your two lips. To produce the B- (/b/) and P- (/p/) sounds, begin with your lips pressed together and quickly part them to release air.
The B- (/b/) and P- (/p/) sounds are consonant pairs, so that means that these two sounds are pronounced similarly. B- (/b/) is a voiced consonant, while P- (/p/) is a voiceless consonant. If you place your hand to your neck as you make these sounds you will notice that your vocal cords vibrate the most when you pronounce B- (/b/). When you pronounce P- (/p/), you won’t feel the same kind of vibration from your vocal cords. 