/s/ & /z/: The soft palate being raised and the nasal resonator shut off, the blade (or the tip and blade) of the tongue makes a light contact with the upper alveolar ridge and the side rims of the tongue make a close contact with the upper side teeth. The airstream escapes by means of a narrow groove in the centre of the tongue and causes friction between the tongue and the alveolar ridge. There is very little opening between the teeth. The lip position will depend upon the adjacent vowel.
