How do affricates differ from stops?

Affricates are unique speech sounds that begin with a complete obstruction (like stops) and then release into a fricative-like sound. This means that an affricate starts with a total blockage of airflow in the vocal tract followed by a gradual release that produces turbulent airflow, characteristic of fricatives. An example of an affricate in English is the sound represented by "ch" in "church," which starts with a complete closure of the vocal cords and then transitions into a fricative sound.

The choice that states they begin as stops but end as fricatives accurately captures this dual nature of affricates. This contrasts with other options. One option suggests that affricates are only characterized by nasal sounds, which is not true, as affricates can occur without nasalization. Another option claiming there is no closure in the vocal tract contradicts how affricates are formed, since they indeed begin with complete closure like stops. The option stating they are produced with a complete obstruction only does not encompass the defining aspect of affricates transitioning into a fricative sound. Therefore, the correct understanding of affricates identifies them as starting with a stop and transforming into a fricative, which is encapsulated in