Which of the following sounds is a fricative?

• A. /p/
• B. /ʃ/
• C. /t/
• D. /b/

Answer: (B)

A fricative is produced by forcing air through a narrow constriction, which creates a continuous turbulence or noise rather than a quick burst. The sound /ʃ/ (the “sh” sound) is a voiceless fricative formed with the tongue near the postalveolar region, producing that steady, hissing noise as air flows through the narrow gap. The other options involve stops: /p/ and /t/ are complete closures that release air in a brief burst, and /b/ is a voiced stop, not a fricative. So /ʃ/ best fits the definition of a fricative.