In an alphabet invented by grammarians, it is not surprising to see it laid out according to phonetic principles. Thus, the alphabetical order begins with the vowels, then runs through the diphthongs, the stops, the semi-vowels, the silibants, and finally h . The stops , which means sounds where the vocal tract closes, pose some pronunciation challenges. K is pronounced as in English skit , and kh as in English kit . Similarly, t is pronounced as in English stop , and th as in English top .
P is pronounced as in English spot , and ph as in English pot .
Sanskrit c is like the ch in English, but is unaspirated , making it unfamiliar. In sounds like gh , jh , etc., however, the breath coming out is also voiced . These are sounds rarely seen in other world languages.