5 Questions
Which of the following statements best describes what you know when you know the phonetic inventory of a language?
You know how to separate a continuous speech stream into distinct words and sounds.
What does the example with the mother and child demonstrate?
Pausing always indicates a distinct word boundary.
What can you see when you look at an X-ray of speech?
Continuous motion of the tongue, jaw, and lips
What does knowing the phonetic inventory of a language allow you to do?
Separate a continuous speech stream into distinct words and sounds
What factors can vary in speech despite knowing the phonetic inventory of a language?
Rate of speech and pitch
Study Notes
Phonetic Inventory of a Language
- Knowing the phonetic inventory of a language means you are aware of the set of physical sounds that occur in that language.
- The example with the mother and child demonstrates how children acquire the phonetic inventory of their native language through interaction and imitation.
X-ray of Speech
- An X-ray of speech shows the physical properties of speech sounds, such as tongue and lip positions, and air flow.
Applications of Phonetic Inventory
- Knowing the phonetic inventory of a language allows you to identify the sounds of that language and distinguish them from others.
Variability in Speech
- Despite knowing the phonetic inventory of a language, factors like accent, tone, stress, and intonation can vary greatly in speech, adding complexity to spoken language.
Test your knowledge of phonetic inventories in different languages with this quiz! Learn how to separate speech into distinct words and sounds, and discover the challenges of learning a second language in a naturalistic environment.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
