Have you ever noticed how many parts of your mouth or the organs of speech you need to move while speaking? Just read this sentence or any other sentence aloud and you will get to know. While speaking we tend to move our tongue, lips, teeth, jaw, palate, etc. Even the nose plays an important role here. Isn’t it amazing!
This is all a part of Articulatory Phonetics, which is one of the three subfields of phonetics.
What is Articulatory Phonetics?
Articulatory Phonetics is the study of the production of speech sounds. Basically, articulatory phoneticians make a study on the interaction of various organs of speech and their role in producing different sounds. These parts are also known as Articulators. In fact, the ability to use these articulators efficiently is known as Articulation. It is with Articulation that we are able to make up words and sentences and most importantly express ourselves.
Let us have a look at the roles of some Articulators which are crucial in speech and sound creation.
1. Lips
We use lips in the production of numerous consonant sounds. Try creating the sounds of p, b, m, f, w and v. Can you say these letter sounds without moving your lips? No. Therefore, lip movements are a crucial part of Articulatory Phonetics.
2. Teeth
When we say words with the sound of t, y, f, and v, we need to use our teeth to create sounds. We also use teeth in the production of sounds of ? (like in thing, through) and ð (like in brother, there).
3. Tongue
Tongue is one of the most important organs, and it plays a major role in sound production. Consonant or Vowel, it is responsible for the production of almost every sound in English Language (and almost every language).
4. Nasal Cavity
Also known as the nasal passage, it is vital in the production of sounds like m, n, and ?.
This was an interesting piece of information, right! Have a look at our wonderful worksheets and printables for more fun activities.
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