The Xhosa language employs three basic click sounds, which are signaled by the letters "x," "q," and "c."

The "x" click is a "side click" produced by placing the tip of the tongue against the front part of the roof of the mouth, then pulling the town downward and backward, allowing air to escape on both sides of the tongue.

The "q" click is a "top click" produced by placing the tongue in the middle of the roof of the mouth and pulling it down quickly while keeping the mouth in an open, "O" shape.

The "c" click is a "front click" produced by placing the tip of the tongue behind the upper front teeth and then pulling the tongue downward while forming the lips into a slightly parted smile.

As the clicks are sounded, the mouth prepares to form the vowel sound that follows.

Those who are not able to master the "x" click in "Xhosa" pronounce it as "caw-suh" or "haw-suh."