Most introductory CS classes devote some time to the topic of "wh-" words. Students learn that words like "when" may begin with handshape 4 or handshape 6.
Phonemes are all about contrast. These building blocks often have a partner that is produced similarly with one distinguishing feature. For example, /sssssssss/ and /zzzzzzzzz/ are spoken nearly identicually. However, /sssssssss/ is produced without vocal fold vibration (or voicing) and /zzzzzzzzz/ is produced with vibration. This distinction is important for making different words. The distinction between /sssssssss/ and /zzzzzzzzz/ allows us to recognize the difference between the words sip and zip or niece and knees.
| Handshape 6: /wwwwwwwww/ | Handshape 4: /ʍhwhwʍhwhwʍhwhw/ |
| wack | whack |
| wail | whale |
| Wales | whales |
| ware/ wear | where |
| wares/ wears | where's |
| weather | whether |
| way/ weigh | whey |
| we'll | wheel |
| wet | whet |
| wield | wheeled |
| wig | whig |
| wile | while |
| wine | whine |
| wire | why're |
| wise | why's |
| witch | which |
| wither | whither |
| woe | whoa |
| word | whirred |
| world | whirled |