Let b, v, d, g, z, be similarly treated. The sound is no whisper, but one at the natural tone of our voice.
Now p, f, t, k, s (with some others that will be brought forward anon) are sharp, whilst b, v, &c. are flat. Instead of sharp, some say hard, and instead of flat, some say soft. The Sanskrit terms sonant and surd are, in a scientific point of view, the least exceptionable. They have, however, the disadvantage of being pedantic. The tenues of the classics (as far as they go) are sharp, the mediæ flat.
Continuous and explosive.—Isolate the sounds of b, p, t, d, k, g. Pronounce them. You have no power of prolonging the sounds, or of resting upon them. They escape with the breath, and they escape at once.
It is not so with f, v, sh, zh. Here the breath is transmitted by degrees, and the sound can be drawn out and prolonged for an indefinite space of time. Now b, p, t, &c. are explosive f, v, &c. continuous.
[§ 200]. Concerning the vowels, we may predicate a) that they are all continuous, b) that they are all flat.
Concerning the liquids, we may predicate a) that they are all continuous, b) that they are all flat.
Concerning the mutes, we may predicate a) that one half of them is flat, and the other half sharp, and b) that some are continuous, and that others are explosive.
[§ 201].—The letter h is no articulate sound, but only a breathing.
For the semivowels and the diphthongs, see the sequel.