Phonetics Flashcards
phonetics
the study of the sounds of a language
International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
transcription systems for languages that have a separate symbol for each sound
general American
the standard reference accent of North American English
frequency
number of vibrations (cycles of variation in air pressure)
vocal tract
the entire passage above the larynx where speech sounds are shaped
articulators
parts of the vocal apparatus which are involved in speech production (active & passive)
bilabial
sounds which are characterized by a constriction at the lips (involving both lips)
labio-dentals
sound produced with the upper teeth placed on the lower lip
alveolar
an obstruction at the alveolar ridge
inter-dental
sounds are produced with the tongue immediately behind the upper front teeth or even protruding between upper and lower front teeth
palato-alveolar
constriction between the hard palate and the alveolar ridge, slightly further back than for alveolar sounds
glottal
airstream is obstructed at the glottis
manner of articulation
various production methods of consonants
plosives
a complete stop of the airflow followed by a release
fricatives
the lower lips and the upper front teeth come very close together, leaving only a narrow passage through which air can escape. When the air passes through this slight opening, the result is audible friction
affricatives
a stoppage of the air- flow, followed by a prolonged release with only a narrow opening and therefore audible friction
nasals
the velum is lowered, leaving an open passage from the oral to the nasal cavity, so that the air can escape through the nose
received pronunciation
standard accent of British England
vocal cords
two small muscular folds which are located at the lower end of the larynx
monophthong
simple vowels which show no such change in quality
