The S/Z

The /s/ and /z/ sounds are both voiceless and voiced consonants, respectively, formed by directing airflow through a narrow channel near the tongue and teeth. The /s/ sound (as in "sun") is voiceless, meaning the vocal cords don't vibrate, creating a hissing noise. The /z/ sound (as in "zebra") is voiced, with vocal cord vibration, adding a buzzing quality. They are produced similarly, with the main difference being whether the vocal cords vibrate (z) or not (s). This distinction helps us differentiate words like “sip” and “zip.”