Vowel-Consonant Distinctions

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Questions and Answers

What is the main articulatory principle used to classify speech sounds into vowels and consonants?

Distribution of muscular tension

Frequency of occurrence in language

Presence or absence of obstruction (correct)

Force of the air stream

What causes noise in the articulation of consonants?

The distribution of muscular tension

The weak force of the air stream

The presence of supralaryngeal cavities

The removal of air stream obstruction (correct)

How is the muscular tension distributed in the articulation of vowels?

Concentrated at the place of obstruction

Evenly throughout the speech organs (correct)

In the supralaryngeal cavities

Spread in a wave-like pattern

How is the force of the air stream in vowels compared to consonants?

Rather weak Signup and view all the answers

What is the articulatory boundary between vowels and consonants described as?

Not well marked Signup and view all the answers

How is muscular tension distributed in the articulation of vowels?

Spread evenly throughout the speech organs Signup and view all the answers

What is the main articulatory principle used to classify speech sounds into vowels and consonants?

Presence or absence of obstruction Signup and view all the answers

What effect is caused by the removal of obstruction in the articulation of consonants?

Noise (plosion or friction) Signup and view all the answers

How is the force of the air stream in vowels compared to consonants?

Rather weak Signup and view all the answers

Is the articulatory boundary between vowels and consonants well marked?

Not well marked Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between voiceless and voiced consonants?

Voiceless consonants are pure noises, while voiced consonants are a combination of noise and tone Signup and view all the answers

What is the acoustic boundary between vowels and consonants primarily based on?

Spectra of noise and formant structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the main criterion used to classify speech sounds into vowels and consonants?

Presence of sharply defined formant structure and high total energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinguishing factor in the spectrum of a vowel compared to a consonant?

A sharply defined formant structure and high total energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of different groups of muscles in vowel and consonant production?

Resulting in different articulatory energy in vowels and consonants Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification of Speech Sounds

Speech sounds are classified into vowels and consonants primarily based on the degree of obstruction in the vocal tract during articulation.
Vowels are produced with minimal obstruction, allowing for a free flow of air, while consonants involve greater constriction.

Articulatory Noise in Consonants

Noise in consonant articulation is caused by the turbulence created when airflow is obstructed, leading to varying degrees of frication or plosion.

Muscular Tension in Vowels

Muscular tension during vowel production is evenly distributed throughout the vocal tract, allowing for a smooth resonance without significant constriction.
This results in a rich, full sound quality that is characteristic of vowel sounds.

Air Stream Force in Vowels vs. Consonants

The force of the airstream in vowels is generally continuous and unimpeded, in contrast to consonants where the airflow is interrupted or modified by constrictions.

Articulatory Boundary Description

The boundary between vowels and consonants is described as a gradient rather than a strict demarcation, reflecting the fluid nature of speech sound production.

Obstruction Removal Effect

The removal of obstruction in consonants typically produces a shift to vowel-like qualities, as airflow becomes less restricted, creating a clearer sound.

Voiced vs. Voiceless Consonants

The main difference between voiceless and voiced consonants lies in vocal cord vibration; voiced consonants involve vibration, while voiceless consonants do not.

Acoustic Boundary Criteria

The acoustic boundary between vowels and consonants is primarily based on formant patterns, with vowels exhibiting distinct resonance characteristics compared to consonants.

Distinguishing Features in Sound Spectrum

Vowels are distinguished from consonants by their harmonic structure; vowels have a more prominent and stable formant pattern, leading to a richer sound.

Muscle Groups in Sound Production

Different groups of muscles are engaged during vowel and consonant production; vowels require a balanced use of intrinsic laryngeal and pharyngeal muscles, while consonants activate specific articulatory gestures for obstruction.

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Description

Test your knowledge of vowel-consonant distinctions with this quiz! Learn about the articulatory principles that classify speech sounds and understand the differences between vowels and consonants based on obstruction, muscular tension, and air stream force.