Question 66

Native speakers of American English tend to pronounce the /t/ sound differently in different words, such as tear, steer, letter, and button.

When an ELL has difficulty emulating the pronunciation of the /t/ sound in "button," it indicates a challenge with the alveolar ridge, where the /t/ sound is articulated.

A) Alveolar ridge

This option is correct because the /t/ sound in "button" is produced at the alveolar ridge, which is the area just behind the upper front teeth. If an ELL struggles with this sound, it suggests difficulty in using this specific place of articulation effectively.

B) Glottis

This option is incorrect as the glottis refers to the space between the vocal cords and is primarily involved in the production of glottal sounds. The /t/ sound does not originate from the glottis, making this option irrelevant to the pronunciation of "button."

C) Hard palate

This option is also incorrect. The hard palate is involved in the articulation of sounds such as /ʃ/ or /j/, but it does not play a role in the production of the /t/ sound. Thus, it is not related to the difficulties faced by the ELL regarding the pronunciation of "button."

D) Velum

This option is incorrect as well since the velum is responsible for the articulation of nasal sounds like /n/ or /ŋ/. The /t/ sound is not produced at the velum, so difficulties with this area would not affect the pronunciation of "button."

Conclusion

The correct answer is A) Alveolar ridge, as it directly relates to the articulation of the /t/ sound in "button." The other options fail to address the specific place of articulation necessary for producing this sound, confirming that the ELL's difficulty lies at the alveolar ridge.