In phonetics, what does a blockage point refer to?

A blockage point refers to where airflow is restricted during sound production. In phonetic terms, this concept is crucial in understanding how sounds are articulated. When producing certain consonants, such as stops (like /p/, /b/, /t/, /d/, /k/, and /g/), there is a complete blockage of airflow at some point in the vocal tract, followed by a release that allows the sound to be produced.

This blockage can occur at various points in the oral cavity, such as the lips, alveolar ridge, or the soft palate, depending on the specific sound being articulated. The ability to control airflow is fundamental in creating different phonetic sounds, making the understanding of blockage points vital in phonetics.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the concept of a blockage point in phonetics. Airflow being allowed to flow freely is characteristic of voiced sounds or vowels rather than blockage; the vocal cords are not specifically tied to the concept of airflow restriction during articulation; and a specific location in the mouth for vowel sounds does not involve the concept of blockage but rather the position where airflow is unobstructed for producing vowels.