Airstream mechanism

When we talk, we use our lungs to push air out of our mouth. This air travels through a small space between our vocal cords and creates sound. This is called the airstream mechanism.

Think of it like blowing bubbles. When you blow air through a bubble wand, the air goes through a small space and creates bubbles. Similarly, when we talk, the air goes through a small space in our throat and creates sound.

There are three types of airstream mechanisms.

1. Pulmonic: This is the most common type of airstream mechanism. We use our lungs to push air out of our mouth and create sound.

2. Glottalic: This airstream mechanism uses the airflow from the lungs to vibrate the vocal cords. This creates a sound that is different from the pulmonic airstream mechanism.

3. Click: This airstream mechanism is used in some African languages. It involves sucking air into the mouth and then popping the tongue to create a clicking sound.

So, the airstream mechanism is how we create sound when we speak. It involves pushing air through a small space in our throat or using our lungs to vibrate our vocal cords.