What is a glottal stop?

• A. A sound produced by narrowing the vocal cords
• B. A consonantal sound obstructing airflow
• C. A vowel sound used in various languages
• D. A type of breathing pattern during speech

Answer: (B)

A glottal stop is characterized as a sound produced when airflow is temporarily obstructed at the glottis, which is the space between the vocal cords. This obstruction occurs when the vocal cords are brought together tightly and then released, creating a brief cessation of sound. It serves as a consonantal sound in various languages, marking the beginning or separation of syllables, as seen in English words like "uh-oh" or "button."

This definition makes option B the correct choice, as it accurately describes the function of a glottal stop within the realm of speech sounds. The glottal stop's unique formation through the closure of the vocal cords differentiates it from simply narrowing the vocal cords, which pertains more to pitch control rather than the production of sounds. Other choices, such as the classification of a vowel sound or a breathing pattern, do not align with the defining characteristics of a glottal stop.