Introduction to Phonetics ENGL-328

Phonemes and Speech Sounds

• A phoneme is a unit of sound that distinguishes one word from another in a particular language.
• Example: pen, pet, pin, bet

The Production of Speech Sounds

• All sounds we make when we speak are the result of muscles contracting.
• Speech sounds are produced through the movement of articulators above the larynx.
• The vocal tract consists of the oral cavity and nasal cavity.

The Larynx

• The larynx (voice box) is not part of the vocal tract, but is used for speech sounds.
• The larynx contains two pieces of tissue known as vocal folds or vocal cords.
• The vocal folds can be:
  • Fully open (for some speech sounds)
  • Closed (forcing air to vibrate, known as voicing)
• The larynx is located in the Adam's Apple.

Anatomy of the Vocal Tract

• The vocal tract consists of:
  • Pharynx (tube that begins above the larynx)
  • Soft palate (allows air to pass through the nose and mouth)
  • Hard palate (roof of the mouth)
  • Tongue
  • Lips (important for speech)

Voicing and Consonants

• Voicing refers to whether or not the vocal cords are vibrating.
• The larynx produces voicing for some speech sounds.
• Consonants can be classified based on voicing:
  • Voiceless (e.g., /p/, /t/, /k/)
  • Voiced (e.g., /b/, /d/, /g/)

Plosives

• Plosives are consonant sounds made by stopping air flowing out of the mouth and then suddenly releasing.
• The manner of articulation for plosives involves:
  • Closing phase: Organs move close to create a complete closure.
  • Hold/occlusion/compression phase: Air is held behind the closure.
  • Release or burst: Air is released, producing an audible sound.
  • Post-release phase: Articulators move apart, and air pressure falls.
• There are 6 plosive sounds in English: /p/, /b/, /t/, /d/, /k/, /g/.
• Plosives can be classified based on:
  • Manner of articulation
  • Place of articulation (e.g., bilabial, alveolar, velar)