Chapter 2
Phonetics: The Sounds of Language

Abstract: Phonetics is the study of individual speech sounds of language. In the inventory of human language, efforts have been made to develop symbols to represent individual speech segments as the articulatory processes transpire. This chapter discusses the human sound producing system, sound classes, manners and places of articulation, prosodic properties, articulatory processes, and symbol transcription of language segments.


Vocabulary for Chapter 2

PHONETIC TRANSCRIPTION

Vowel Placement Diagram

Questions:

1. Define "Phonetics."

2. What is the difference between articulatory and acoustic phonetics?

3. What are the units of representation and what is the difference between them?

4. What is the universal phonetic alphabet?

Click here to read more about segments LIPS


Section 2: THE SOUND-PRODUCING SYSTEM

Click here to see a diagram

Section 3: SOUND CLASSES

Questions:

1. Describe the difference between voiced and voiceless. How can you confirm whether a sound is voiced or voiceless?

2. What are the 3 sound classes?

3. Which sound class shows properties of the other two?

Section 4: CONSONANT ARTICULATION


To print out this graphic along with the terms, click
on the graphic, then print out the page.














Click here for a description of consonants

The Vocal Tract

PLACES OF ARTICULATION

Click here for description of places of articulation of consonants

For further description of articulation click here

Exercises on places of articulation


Section 5: MANNERS OF ARTICULATION

Click here for classes of consonants and their pronunciation

Stops, Fricatives, Approximates, and Nasals

Glides


Section 6: VOWELS

Questions:

1. What are the words used to describe the basic parameters of vowels?

2. What are the characteristics of tense and lax vowels?

Click here for English vowel sounds and position of the vowels:

Charts showing vowel parameters:

Diphthongs


Section 7: PHONETIC TRANSCRIPTION OF AMERICAN ENGLISH CONSONANTS AND VOWELS

   IPA BLANK CHART FOR PRACTICING CONSONANT SYMBOLS
You can print this page to use as practice!

IPA Homepage

More chart info

Ways of putting IPA symbols and diacritics onto a webpage in html.


Section 8: SUPRASEGMENTALS

Click here for more on suprasegmentals and an audio sample

Tone and Intonation:

Section 9: ARTICULATORY PROCESSES

Questions:

What is meant by coarticulation?

What are the different types of articulatory processes? Give specific examples.

Click here to see articulatory examples


Phonological analysis can determine which sound differences are significant in
 a language.

 Go to the following site and review the article.
    "What is Estuary English?"
      John Wells, University College London
      This article appeared in English Teaching Professional, 1997

 What have the results been thus far and what are the social implications of
 this phonological analysis?


How about some links?
You will find a plethora of linguistics links on this page.
      Enjoy...

 
 
Dr. Olson's Web Site Links!
Next page,please!!
 WCB
Find the right chapter!  E-mail Dr. Judith Olson!