Which classification fits the sounds represented by sibilants?

Sibilants are characterized as consonant sounds that produce a hissing or hushing effect due to the way they are articulated. They are created when air is forced through a narrow channel formed by the positioning of the tongue and the roof of the mouth. Common examples of sibilants include the sounds represented by the letters "s," "z," "sh," and "zh."

Classifying sibilants as consonant sounds is based on their production and their role in speech. Unlike vowel sounds, which are produced with an open vocal tract and are typically the nucleus of syllables, sibilants require specific placements in the mouth that create a distinct auditory effect. Other options, like low-frequency or syllabic sounds, do not accurately describe the nature of sibilants. Thus, identifying them as consonants provides a clear understanding of their function within speech and language.