Why does voice onset time (VOT) increase in stop consonants like /p/ in English as compared to Spanish?

💡 Explanation

The increased VOT in English /p/ arises from aspiration, a period of voicelessness after the release of the consonant. This occurs because English aspiration requires greater vocal fold abduction for a more forceful release; therefore, VOT increases. This contrasts with Spanish, where less abduction and shorter VOT are typical, rather than variations in vowel inventory.

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