Speech Sounds

1. What are speech sounds ?

1.1. The basic unit of speech sounds is the phoneme.

1.2. Speech sounds are represented using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

2. Important

2.1. First

2.1.1. Each speaker of a particular region possesses implicit knowledge when pronouncing words.

2.2. Second

2.2.1. The various pronunciations must consider the specific words or elements used in pronunciation.

2.3. Third

2.3.1. Phonetic rules in any language, determined by location, should consistently adhere to formality.

3. What are speech sounds ?

3.1. Speech sounds are the audible manifestations of language produced by the human vocal tract.

4. Why are they essential in language?

4.1. They are crucial for communication, conveying meaning through a system of distinct sounds.

5. Vowels and consonants in terms of articulation and sound production.

5.1. Vowels are produced with an open vocal tract, while consonants involve constriction or closure of the vocal tract.

5.1.1. sounds involve vibration of the vocal cords (e.g., [z])

5.1.2. voiceless sounds do not (e.g., [s])

6. Place of articulation

6.1. Refers to where in the vocal tract the airflow restriction occurs.

6.1.1. bilabial (e.g., [p])

6.1.2. alveolar (e.g., [t])

6.1.3. velar (e.g., [k])