Phonetics Test 1 PDF

**[Phonetics (Test 1)]** 1. Diffrence between a dialect and an accent, provide examples of a dialect and an accent. Also provide, what would be called a rediolect, sociolect and an idiolect. - **Dialect:** A dialect is a particular form of a language that is **specific to a geograph...

**[Phonetics (Test 1)]** 1. Diffrence between a dialect and an accent, provide examples of a dialect and an accent. Also provide, what would be called a rediolect, sociolect and an idiolect. - **Dialect:** A dialect is a particular form of a language that is **specific to a geographical region or social group**, characterised by **distinct vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation**. For example, *Yorkshire English* can be considered a dialect of English. - **Accent:** An accent refers to the way in which **words are pronounced**, which can indicate **a person's regional or social background**. For example, a *West Country accent* might feature specific vowel and consonant variations distinct from a *Cockney accent*. - **Rediolect:** A rediolect is a standardised form of speech commonly used in **radio broadcasts, typically reflecting a neutral accent that aims for clarity and intelligibility across a broad audience.** - **Sociolect:** A sociolect is a variety of language associated with **a particular social class or group**. For instance, *Estuary English* may exhibit features that distinguish it from more traditional accents. - **Idiolect:** An idiolect **is the unique speech pattern of an individual**, encompassing their specific vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammatical choices. For example, an individual may use particular phrases or pronunciations that are unique to their personal way of speaking. 2. Different types of **RP**? Explain. Standard English(SE or RP): recieved pronounciation, prestigious and authoratitive. Associated with the educated, upper class. Types: - **Conservative RP**, most resistent to change, more common in older generations. Used in certain proffesions and social groups. - **General RP**, BBC pronounciation, the most commonly used. - **Advanced RP**, used by young people or exlusive groups, the most prone to change. 3. What is a phone, phoneme and allophone? Provide the explination of a ***minimal pair.*** - **Phone:** A phone is a **distinct speech sound** that can be **represented by a symbol in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)** and **may not convey a difference in meaning.** - **Phoneme:** **A phoneme is the smallest unit of sound in a language. IT** can distinguish meaning!! For example, the sounds /p/ and /b/ in the words \"pat\" \[pæt\] and \"bat\" \[bæt\] **are phonemes because they change the meanings of the words.** - **Allophone:** An allophone is the **pronunciation of a phoneme** that **doesn't change the meaning of a word**!! For instance, the /l/ sound in \"light\" \[laɪt\] (clear \[l\]) and \"full\" \[fʊl\] (dark \[ɫ\]) are allophones of the same phoneme /l/. - **Minimal Pair:** A minimal pair consists of two words that differ by **only a single sound in the same position**, demonstrating that **this sound change alters the meaning**. For example, \"bit\" \[bɪt\] and \"bet\" \[bɛt\] are **a minimal pair** because they differ only in the vowel sounds. 4. **Branches of phonetics**, explain. - **Articulatory Phonetics:** This branch studies how **speech sounds are produced by the movement of the articulators (lips, tongue, vocal cords, etc.).** It describes how different sounds are formed and the physical properties of the vocal tract during articulation. - **Acoustic Phonetics:** This branch focuses on the physical properties of speech sounds as they travel through the air, analysing aspects such as **frequency, wavelength, and amplitude.** - **Auditory Phonetics:** This branch investigates how speech sounds are perceived by the ear and processed by the brain, exploring the psychological **aspects of hearing and understanding spoken language.** 5. What is a speech mechanism? Provide the stages of the physical speech mechanism. **Speech mechanism** -- involves the *active or passive* functioning of the organs of speech 1. **Initiation** (the longs provide the engry source) by exhaling, air going out. **The lungs create this energy!** 2. **Phonotation** (the vocal cords convert energy in to audible sound) Larynx (the vocal tissues convert the energy) **Vocal folds are muscels in the larynx when they press together they make audible sound. They also signifiy the quality, clarity, pitch and loudness of the audible sound created.** 3. **The Oro-Nasal process (the process is in the pharynx, the soft palate (velum) distributes(directs the airflow) the audible sound into the oral cavety or nasal cavety)** the uviula closes the nasal cavity. This produces nasal and oral sounds. 4. **Articulation process is in the mouth cavety, the organs of speech transform the sound into an intellegible speech sound, the tounge being the main articulator.** 6. The cycle of phonotation. 1. The vocal folds are drawn together tightly 2. **The expiratory airflow** builds up the **pressure and forces the vocal folds apart** 3. As the airflow escapes through **the glottis,** the **pressure is reduced, and the vocal folds close again.** 7. What is transcription? Broad and narrow transcription? Transcription -- **refers to the systematic representation of speech sounds.** It involves converting spoken language into written form, capturing the phonetic details of speech. Broad transcription -- **uses a more generalized set of symbols to represent phonemes, often focusing on the contrastive aspects of sounds without detailing finer articulatory features.** Narrow transcription -- **captures more precise details about the phonetic realization of sounds, including allophonic variations**. It uses brackets to denote specific articulations (e.g., \[pʰ\] for the aspirated \[p\] in \"pat\" as pronounced in American English). 8. What are dipthongs and what are monopthongs? In terms of diphongs gliding provide examples. (Centering to, closing to) Dipthongs --**complex vowel sounds that begin as one vowel and glide into another within the same syllable**. For example, the sound in \"coin\" /ɔɪ/ is a diphthong that starts at /ɔ/ and glides to /ɪ/. Monopthongs --**simple vowel sounds that have a single, unchanging quality throughout their duration.** An example is the vowel sound in \"cat,\" which is represented as /æ/. **Examples of diphthongs gliding:** - **Centering diphthongs**: Diphthongs that glide towards a central vowel (e.g., /ɪə/ as in \"ear\"). - **Closing diphthongs**: Diphthongs that glide towards a close vowel (e.g., /aɪ/ as in \"my\"). 9. The place of obstuction. The manner of obstruction. **Place of obstruction refers to where in the vocal tract the airflow is constricted during the articulation of consonants.** Common places include bilabial (both lips), alveolar (tongue against the alveolar ridge), and velar (back of the tongue against the soft palate). Manner of obstruction refers to how the airflow is obstructed. This can include: - Stops: Complete blockage of airflow (e.g., /p/, /t/, /k/). - Fricatives: Narrowing of the vocal tract causing turbulent airflow (e.g., /f/, /s/, /ʃ/). - Nasals: Air escapes through the nose (e.g., /m/, /n/). 10. The production of speech sounds. How do we produce sound? Write in detail using all the necessary terms (articulators). We produce a particular sound with the help of the organs of speech, called the articulators, situated in the oral cavety\... **Speech sounds are produced by manipulating airflow through the vocal tract using various articulators, which include:** - **Lips**: Used to produce bilabial sounds (e.g., /p/, /b/). - **Teeth**: Important for dental sounds (e.g., /θ/ in \"thin\"). - **Alveolar ridge**: The bony ridge behind the upper front teeth, used for sounds like /t/, /d/, /s/. - **Hard palate**: The roof of the mouth that helps in producing palatal sounds (e.g., /ʃ/). - **Velum(soft palate)**: The soft part of the roof of the mouth, used for velar sounds (e.g., /k/, /g/). - **Tongue**: The most versatile articulator, with different parts (tip, blade, body, back) used to produce various sounds. - **Vocal folds**: Located in the larynx, they vibrate to produce voiced sounds (e.g., /b/, /d/). 11. Describe what is a vowel and what is a consonant and a sonorant sound? - Vowels are voiced sounds produced without significant constriction in the vocal tract. They form the nucleus of syllables (e.g., /a/, /e/, /i/). - Consonants involve some degree of obstruction in the vocal tract, affecting airflow. **They can be voiced or voiceless** (e.g., /p/ is voiceless; /b/ is voiced). - Sonorants **are consonants that have a more open airflow**, allowing for resonance, similar to vowels. Examples include **nasals (/m/, /n/)** and **approximants (/l/, /r/, /j/, /w/)** 12. What is the difference between a open vowel and a closed vowel? Describe and provide examples. - **Open vowels** are produced with the mouth open wider, allowing for greater airflow. Examples include /a/ as in \"father\" and /æ/ as in \"cat.\" - **Closed vowels** involve a narrower opening of the mouth, restricting airflow more. Examples include /i/ as in \"see\" and /u/ as in \"food.\" 13. What is the difference between a front vowel or a back vowel? Describe and provide examples. - **Front vowels** are articulated with the tongue positioned towards the front of the mouth. Examples include /i/ in \"see\" and /e/ in \"bed.\" - **Back vowels** are produced with the tongue positioned towards the back of the mouth. Examples include /u/ in \"food\" and /ɔ/ in \"thought.\" 14. Primary and secondary cardinal vowels. What is a cardinal vowel? Explain in detail. **Cardinal vowels** are a set of reference vowels that serve as a standard for classifying vowel sounds. - **Primary cardinal vowels** are the fundamental set, representing extreme points of articulation in vowel space. For example, \[i\] (close front) and \[u\] (close back) are primary cardinal vowels. - **Secondary cardinal vowels** are derived from primary vowels but involve different tongue positions or lip rounding. They provide a broader range of vowel sounds. 15. Three shapes of lips, explain. What sounds do they produce? Provide examples. - Spread lips: Lips are pulled apart, as in the production of /i/ (see). - Neutral lips: Lips in a relaxed position, like in /ə/ (sofa). - Rounded lips: Lips are rounded and protruded, used for sounds like /u/ (food). 16. What are voicoids and contoids? Explain and provide examples. - **Voicoids** - vowel-like sounds produced without full closure in the vocal tract. Examples include /j/ (as in \"yes\") and /w/ (as in \"we\"). - **Contoids** - consonant-like sounds that involve some form of constriction. Examples include /p/, /t/, /k/ (stop sounds). 17. Study the Larynx. What is its function? Name all the parts and explain their functions. **The larynx (voice box) is crucial for sound production** and contains the vocal folds. Its functions include: - Voice production: Vocal folds vibrate to create sound. - Respiration: Facilitates airflow to and from the lungs. Parts of the larynx: - **Vocal folds**: Vibrate to produce sound. - **Epiglottis**: Flap that covers the trachea during swallowing. - **Thyroid cartilage**: Protects the vocal folds. - **Cricoid cartilage**: Provides structural support. 18. The different positions of the vocal folds and explain what sounds they produce as well as its movement in the larynx. - **Open vocal folds**: Allow air to pass freely, producing voiceless sounds (e.g., /s/). - **Partially closed vocal folds**: Create breathy or murmured sounds. - **Closed vocal folds**: Produce voiced sounds (e.g., /b/). 19. Explain the importance of respiration and voicing. What does it vary in? Details, provide examples. **Respiration is essential for producing sound, as it provides the airstream needed for vocal fold vibration. The variability in breathing (depth, rate) affects loudness and pitch.** Voicing varies based on the position of the vocal folds: - **Voiced sounds: Vocal folds are together (e.g., /b/).** - **Voiceless sounds: Vocal folds are apart (e.g., /p/).** 20. How do we produce *plosive sounds*? What are they? Examples and detailed explanation. **Plosive sounds** are produced by completely stopping airflow and then releasing it suddenly. They are characterized by the sequence of closure and release. Examples include: - /p/: Produced by closing both lips (bilabial) and then releasing. - /t/: Produced by the tongue against the alveolar ridge, followed by release. - /k/: Produced by the back of the tongue against the soft palate. 21. Fortis(Voicless) and Lenis(Voiced). Explain provide examples. Fortis (voicless) --These sounds are produced with greater tension and airflow. Examples include /p/, /t/, /k/, /s/. Lenis (voiced) -- These sounds are produced with less tension and often have a voiced quality. Examples include /b/, /d/, /g/, /z/. 22. What is phonetics and what is phonology? Phonetics -- is the study of **the physical properties of speech sounds**, including their **articulation, acoustic properties,** and **auditory perception**. Phonology -- is the study of how **sounds function** within a **particular language or dialect, focusing on abstract sound systems and patterns.** 23. Explain what are affricates and fricatives sounds. Proivde examples. Affricates -- are complex sounds that begin as stops and release as fricatives. An example is /tʃ/ as in \"chop\" and /dʒ/ as in \"judge.\" Fricatives -- are produced by forcing air through a narrow constriction in the vocal tract, creating turbulence. Examples include /f/, /v/, /s/, and /ʃ/. 24. What are lateral approximant and approximant phonemes? Describe, provide examples. - **Lateral approximant phonemes** are produced with the airflow around the sides of the tongue. The most common example is /l/ as in \"light.\" - **Approximant** **phonemes** have less constriction than fricatives, allowing for smooth airflow. Examples include /r/ (as in \"red\") and /j/ (as in \"yes\"). 25. The Role of the Tongue in Producing Different Vowel Sounds **The tongue plays a crucial role in the articulation of vowel sounds, primarily influencing the quality, height, and backness of the vowels produced. Key aspects of the tongue\'s role include:** 1\. Height: The vertical position of the tongue determines whether a vowel is high, mid, or low. For example: \- High Vowel: The tongue is raised close to the roof of the mouth, as in /iː/ (as in \"see\"). \- Low Vowel: The tongue is positioned low in the mouth, as in /æ/ (as in \"cat\"). 2\. Backness: The horizontal position of the tongue influences whether a vowel is front, central, or back. For instance: \- Front Vowel: The tongue is positioned forward in the mouth, as in /eɪ/ (as in \"day\"). \- Back Vowel: The tongue is pulled back, as in /uː/ (as in \"food\"). 3\. Tension and Rounding: The tension of the tongue muscles and the shape of the lips can also affect vowel quality. Tense vowels (e.g., /iː/) often have a different resonance compared to lax vowels (e.g., /ɪ/), and rounded vowels (e.g., /uː/) differ acoustically from unrounded vowels (e.g., /iː/). The tongue\'s precise positioning and movement are vital for producing the wide variety of vowel sounds found in languages. 26. Differences Between **Voiced, Voiceless, and Aspirated Sounds** 1\. Voiced sounds occur when the vocal cords vibrate during their production. The presence of this vibration is a key distinguishing feature. Examples include: \- /b/ as in \"bat\" \- /d/ as in \"dog\" \- /z/ as in \"zoo\" 2\. Voiceless sounds are produced without the vibration of the vocal cords. Air passes through the vocal tract freely. Examples include: \- /p/ as in \"pat\" \- /t/ as in \"top\" \- /s/ as in \"see\" 3\. Aspirated sounds are a specific type of voiceless sound that is produced with a burst of air following the consonant release. This is typically indicated in phonetic transcription with a superscript \"h.\" Examples include: \- /pʰ/ as in the initial sound of \"pat\" \[pʰæt\] \- /tʰ/ as in the initial sound of \"top\" \[tʰɒp\] \- /kʰ/ as in the initial sound of \"cat\" \[kʰæt\] 27. **The Role of the Uvula in Speech Production** The uvula is a small, **fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate**. It plays a role in speech production, particularly in the articulation of certain sounds: 1\. Articulation of Uvular Sounds: The uvula can contribute to the production of uvular consonants, which are produced by raising the back of the tongue towards the uvula. 2\. Regulation of Nasal Resonance: The uvula helps control the flow of air through the nasal cavity during speech, influencing nasal resonance. When the uvula is lowered, it allows for nasal sounds to be produced, as in /m/ or /n/. 3\. Role in Swallowing and Gag Reflex: While not directly related to speech, the uvula plays a crucial role in preventing food from entering the nasal cavity during swallowing, which is essential for clear speech.