What is the primary characteristic of stops in speech production?

The primary characteristic of stops in speech production is the production with a blockage of the airstream. Stops, also known as plosives, are consonant sounds that are created by obstructing airflow in the vocal tract, leading to a buildup of air pressure behind the closure. When this blockage is released, a burst of sound is produced, which is a defining feature of stops.

Understanding this characteristic is crucial because it distinguishes stops from other types of consonants. For example, continuous airflow through the oral cavity is associated with fricatives, where airflow is constricted but not fully blocked. Stops are characterized precisely by the momentary closure and subsequent release. Similarly, vocal fold vibration does not apply to all consonants; many stops can be voiced or voiceless, which is a separate feature related to whether the vocal folds vibrate during their articulation. Lastly, the idea of nasalization pertains to the nasal sounds, such as /m/ and /n/, rather than to stops, which are produced orally without significant nasal airflow. Therefore, the blockage of the airstream is the definitive factor that classifies a sound as a stop.