nonconsonants

Nonconsonants are sounds in phonetics that are not consonants. This category primarily encompasses vowels, but in some broader linguistic contexts, it can also include semivowels or glides.

Vowels are produced with an open vocal tract, meaning there is no significant obstruction of airflow. The distinct sounds of vowels are created by changes in the shape of the oral cavity, primarily through the positioning of the tongue and lips, and the degree of mouth opening. For example, the vowels in "see," "sit," "sat," "so," and "soon" are all produced without blocking the airflow from the lungs.

Semivowels, also known as glides, are sounds that share characteristics of both vowels and consonants. They are produced with a vocal tract that is more open than most consonants but more constricted than most vowels. They typically appear at the beginning or end of syllables and often transition into a full vowel. Examples include the initial sounds in "yes" and "we."

In the context of linguistics, the term nonconsonant is often used in contrast to consonants, which are produced with some degree of obstruction or constriction in the vocal tract. Understanding nonconsonants is fundamental to the study of phonetics and phonology, as they form the core of syllable structure in many languages.