Places of Articulation

Al Jauf (The Empty Space in the Mouth)

The Empty Space

ا و ي

The empty space stretching from above the throat where the two vocal cords are until the two lips

Key Points

  • • These are the madd (prolongation) letters
  • • They require an open mouth cavity for proper pronunciation
  • • The airflow should be smooth and unobstructed

Al Halq (The Throat)

Deepest Part of the Throat

ء ه

Pronounced from the deepest part of the throat

Middle Part of the Throat

ع ح

Pronounced from the middle of the throat

Closest Part of the Throat

غ خ

Pronounced from the closest part of the throat

Key Points

  • • The space between the larynx and the deepest part of the tongue
  • • Each pair of letters shares the same point of articulation
  • • The throat has three distinct areas of pronunciation
  • • Practice with proper airflow for clear pronunciation

Al Lisaan (The Tongue) - Non-Tip Group

Base of Tongue

ق

Pronounced from the furthest point of the tongue touching what is directly above it of the soft palate

Middle of Tongue

ك

Pronounced from just after the articulation point of "Qaaf" (ق) touching what lies directly above it of the hard palate

Front Tongue with Hard Palate

ج ش ي

Pronounced from the front part of the tongue, just short of the tip, touching what is directly above it of the hard palate

Either Edge of the Tongue

ض

Pronounced from either edge of the tongue

Nearest Part of the Edge of the Tongue

ل

Pronounced from the nearest part of the edge of the tongue touching the gums while the sides of the tongue are lowered to allow air to flow around them.

Pronunciation Tips

  • • Ensure proper tongue placement for each letter
  • • These letters require precise tongue positioning
  • • The sound should flow smoothly
  • • Pay attention to the distinction between similar sounds
  • • Maintain consistent airflow
  • • Practice with slow, deliberate movements

Al Lisaan (The Tongue) - Tip Group

Tip with Gums

ن

Pronounced from the tip of the tongue touching the gums

Tip with Root of Upper Teeth

ر

Pronounced where the tip of the tongue touches the hard palate slightly behind the point where the tongue touches for the letter "Noon" (ن)

Tip with Upper Teeth

ط د ت

Pronounced from the tip of the tongue touching the root of the upper incisors

Tip with Lower Teeth

ص س ز

Pronounced with a whistling sound from the tip of the tongue touching the top of the lower incisors, with leaving a small gap between the tongue and the lower incisors

Tip with Gum Line

ظ ذ ث

Pronounced from the tip of the tongue touching the lower part of the upper incisors

Practice Tips

  • • Focus on the exact point of contact
  • • Practice the rolling of ر carefully
  • • Maintain proper nasal resonance for ن
  • • Note the side emission of air for ل
  • • Distinguish between light and heavy sounds
  • • Listen for the distinct whistling sound in س، ص، ز
  • • Maintain proper air flow between teeth
  • • Keep the tongue position consistent

Ash Shafataan (The Lips)

Inner Lower Lip

ف

Pronounced using inner lower lip with tip of upper teeth

Both Lips

و م ب

Pronounced using both lips

Practice Tips

  • • Focus on proper lip positioning
  • • Pronounce و by leaving a gap between the lips while circling them
  • • Maintain proper tension in the lips

Al Khayshoom (The Nasal Passage)

Nasal Letters

ن م

Pronounced with air passing through the nasal passage

Key Points

  • • The nasal passage is used when pronouncing ghunnah (nasalization)
  • • The sound resonates in the nasal cavity
  • • Proper nasalization is crucial for correct pronunciation

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