Consonants, Vowels and Diphthongs.

The terms consonant, vowel and diphthong were used in referring

to IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) symbols. These terms describe different
kinds of sound which are found in all languages.

1. Consonants

When we speak, a stream of air is forced out of the lungs, travels

upwards through the throat and then passes out through the mouth and
nose.

Any sound that is produced by blocking the air stream from flowing out
easily through the mouth is called a consonant.
2. Vowels

But when certain other sounds are produced such that there is no
blocking of air stream in the mouth. The air stream passes out freely
through the mouth and nose, such sounds are called vowels.
3. Diphthongs

In the pronunciation of some words, two vowels combine together to

form a single sound, which is called as a diphthong.