Which phoneme is represented by the letter combination 'sh' in the word 'show'?

The letter combination 'sh' in the word 'show' represents a fricative sound. This type of sound is characterized by the continuous airflow that occurs as it is produced, which is created when air is forced through a narrow constriction in the vocal tract. In the case of 'sh', the tongue is positioned close to the roof of the mouth, allowing air to flow freely while creating the sound.

Fricatives, including the 'sh' sound, are distinct from other categories of sounds, such as stop sounds, where airflow is completely stopped before being released. Understanding this classification is essential for phonemic awareness and reading instruction, especially for individuals with dyslexia, as it helps them grasp how sounds are articulated and how they correspond to letters and letter combinations in written language.