Stops vs. taps

[Rebecka N]

For taps, the active articulator makes quick contact at the place of articulation. Is the speed of contact the only difference between a stop and a tap (ie if you measure amount of contact time you would get a big difference between the two types)? Or is another parameter how this contact is created, with stops being held before air is released “stop – air” (or vice versa, stops the airflow “air – stop”) whereas for taps the airflow is interrupted temporarily “air – tap – air”.

… A sketch of my understanding of what differs between stops and taps other than “speed”, I hope the question makes sense.

[Rebekka Puderbaugh]

Yes, you’re on the right track. A major difference between taps/flaps and stops is that there’s no buildup of air pressure behind the occlusion. A tap makes contact, but not long enough to “stop” the airflow. (At least in theory. I’m not actually sure whether this has been demonstrated instrumentally.)

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