Which phoneme group is described by the Six-Sound Test by Ling?

The Six-Sound Test developed by Dr. Raymond Ling is designed to assess the ability to hear different phonemes, particularly in children and individuals with hearing impairments. The correct group of phonemes that this test emphasizes includes /m/, /a/, /u/, /i/, /s/, and /ʃ/.

This selection is strategic because it contains a mix of sounds that vary in place and manner of articulation, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of someone's auditory discrimination capabilities. The inclusion of nasal, vowel, and fricative sounds helps assess a person's ability to perceive the distinct characteristics of different phonemes, which is essential for effective communication.

In this context, the other options do not provide the variety of sounds needed for the Six-Sound Test. They may include sounds that are either too similar to each other or do not cover a sufficient range of auditory qualities for a meaningful assessment of phoneme recognition. This is why the group containing /m/, /a/, /u/, /i/, /s/, and /ʃ/ is the most effective in fulfilling the goals of the test.