Lenis and Fortis

 Lenis and fortis are two terms that represent a dichotomy of a voiced/ voiceless pair. Phonetically, lenis refers to the consonants articulated with relatively less muscular energy and weaker breath effort, and are usually voiced. It is a softer, weaker consonant sound. For example, [ b d g] .  Fortis refers to consonant

sounds that are strong or forceful in their articulation. These sounds are produced with greater muscular tension, higher air pressure, and are usually voiceless (no vibration of the vocal cords). For example, [ p t k ].

The difference between lenis and fortis is given below:

                            Lenis                                                                        Fortis

Lenis refers to softer, weaker consonant sounds produced with less effort, often voiced, and contrasted with fortis.	Fortis refers to consonant sounds that are strong or forceful in their articulation
Usually voiced	Usually voiceless
Made with less muscular tension	Made with more muscular effort
Produced with less air pressure	Produced with stronger airflow or pressure
Relatively less  aspirated than fortis sound	Often longer or more aspirated than a lenis sound
Sounds softer than their fortis counterpart	Sound sharper or louder
English lenis sounds are: / b  d  g  v  z  ʒ  dʒ/	English fortis sounds are: / p  t  k  f  ∫  t∫ /