Final answer:
The manner of production is the term referring to how airflow is interrupted or restricted during speech sound production, playing a key role in sound articulation and the distinction between various speech sounds like plosives and fricatives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The feature of sound production in which the flow of air out of the lungs is either completely interrupted or restricted during the production of speech sounds is referred to as the manner of production. This concept is crucial for understanding how different speech sounds are articulated. Articulation is the process of shaping the vocal tract, including the throat and mouth, during speech to achieve clear and distinct sounds. The interruption or restriction of airflow results in various types of consonant sounds. For instance, sounds that involve a complete stoppage of air are known as plosives, while sounds that only partially obstruct the flow of air are called fricatives.Hearing and voice are deeply intertwined in this process, as the vocal cords open and close rhythmically, which creates pressure buildups that, along with the air that passes through them, result in the vibration necessary for producing sound. Changes in tension and airflow through the vocal cords can alter pitch and volume. The unique combination of overtones and the way the mouth and tongue shape these sounds contributes to the distinct qualities of different speech sounds.