English Phonetics
Phonetics and Phonology: Sounds, Intonation, and the Structure of Language
What is Phonetics?
The Science of Speech Sounds
Phonetics is a branch of linguistics that studies how speech sounds are physically produced, transmitted, and perceived. It focuses on the mechanics of sound, including articulation and vibration.
What is Phonology?
The System of Sounds in Language
Phonology studies how sounds function in a specific language. It looks at patterns, rules, and how sounds interact within a linguistic system.
Places of Articulation
Speech sounds are produced at specific points in the mouth and throat, called places of articulation. Here are a few:
- Bilabial: Both lips touch (e.g.,/p/,/b/,/m)
- Alveolar: Tongue touches the alveolar ridge (e.g./t/,/d/,/s/)
- Velar: Back of the tongue touches the soft palate (e.g.,/k/,/g/)
The Tools of Speaking
Articulators are parts of the body used to produce speech. These include:
- Tongue
- Lips
- Teeth
- Hard and soft palate
- Vocal cords (glottis)
Voiced and Voiceless Sounds
- Voiced sounds: Vocal cords do vibrate (e.g.,/b/,/d/,/v/)
- Voiceless sounds: Vocal cords do not vibrate (e.g., /p/, /t/, /f/)
Content Words vs Function Words
- Content words carry the main meaning in a sentence.
- Examples: dog, run.
- Function words connect or structure the sentence grammatically.
- Examples: and, the.
When the Pitch Drops at the End
Falling intonation is used in statements, commands, and wh-questions. The voice tone drops at the end of the sentence.
Example sentences:
- Where are you?
- She went to the store
Rising Intonation
Rising intonation is typically used to express uncertainty or surprise in yes/no questions.
Example Sentences:
- Are you coming?
- Do you like it?
Explanatory Videos
Task 1
Task 3
Task 4
By Carol Juliana Pulido Espejo