Alveolar

Alveolar sounds are made at the alveolar ridge. This is a bony ridge behind the upper teeth. If you rest your tongue on the upper teeth then gradually move it backwards, you will feel a change in texture from the smooth enamel to the bumpier gum. Just behind the teeth you should be able to feel the alveolar ridge. This sticks out a bit just behind the teeth. People’s alveolar ridges are very variable: some are very prominent, others hardly noticeable. Alternatively, try isolating the consonant sounds in the word ‘dent’, and you should feel that the tongue tip is making contact with the alveolar ridge. Sounds with an alveolar place of articulation in most varieties of English are [t d n l r s z].