Which sound is not considered a stop sound?

The /m/ sound is classified as a nasal sound rather than a stop sound. In phonetics, stop sounds, also known as plosive sounds, are produced by obstructing airflow in the vocal tract, leading to a build-up of pressure that is released suddenly. Examples of stop sounds include /k/, /t/, and /p/, which all involve the complete closure of the vocal tract at some point during their articulation.

In contrast, the /m/ sound is produced by allowing air to flow through the nasal cavity while the lips are closed, a characteristic of nasal consonants. This difference in production means that the /m/ sound does not involve the same type of airflow obstruction that defines stop sounds. Understanding these distinctions in phonetics is crucial for recognizing different sound types, especially in the context of language and dyslexia support strategies.