Which of the following sounds typically have airflow obstruction during production?

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Prepare for the UCF SPA3112 Basic Phonetics Midterm Exam. Study effectively with flashcards, multiple-choice questions, and in-depth explanations. Get exam-ready now!

The correct response highlights that consonants typically involve some form of airflow obstruction during their production. In phonetics, consonants are characterized by constrictions or closures within the vocal tract, which can vary in degree. This obstruction can range from complete closure, as seen in plosives, to partial constriction, as seen in fricatives.

This obstruction is essential in creating the distinct sounds that define consonants, as it alters the resonance and airflow, adding to the variety of consonant sounds. In contrast, vowels are produced with open airflow with no significant obstruction, allowing for a continuous and smooth sound. Nasal sounds involve some obstruction as well but primarily utilize the nasal passage for airflow. Glides are similar to vowels regarding their production, characterized by minimal obstruction, resulting in a transitional sound that often leads into or out of a vowel.

Thus, because consonants are defined by their mechanism of production involving airflow obstruction, this makes them the correct choice.