What type of phonemes do bilabials consist of?

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Bilabial phonemes are sounds that are produced by bringing both lips together. This articulation occurs when the lips touch or come close, allowing air to escape while forming the sound. Examples of bilabial sounds in English include the consonants /p/, /b/, and /m/. These sounds are characterized specifically by their production method, which involves the two lips creating a closure that momentarily stops airflow and then releases it.

In contrast, the other types of phonemes involve different articulatory methods. For instance, sounds formed with teeth and lips would be labiodental phonemes, and those using the tongue and the roof of the mouth would include alveolar or palatal phonemes. Additionally, sounds produced using the vocal cords refer to voiced sounds but do not specify the place of articulation, which is what is essential for defining bilabials. Therefore, the definition of bilabials as sounds formed using both lips is precise and aligns with phonetic terminology.

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