What type of sound is represented by the letter 'k'?

The letter 'k' represents a stop sound, which is a type of consonantal sound produced by obstructing airflow in the vocal tract. In the case of the sound made by 'k', the back of the tongue comes into contact with the soft palate, creating a brief closure that stops the airflow entirely before it is released. This characteristic of stopping the airflow, then releasing it abruptly, is the defining feature of stop sounds.

In contrast to stop sounds, continuous sounds allow air to flow freely, producing a longer, sustained sound. Voiced sounds involve vocal cord vibration, while unvoiced sounds, like the sound of 'k', do not. Understanding the distinction between these types of sounds can be crucial in phonemic training, particularly for individuals with dyslexia, as it helps with the recognition and production of sounds necessary for reading and spelling.