Brief Summary
This lecture introduces the phonetics and phonology of English, focusing on speech sounds and articulation. It covers the speech organs, their primary and secondary functions, and the classification and description of English consonant sounds based on place and manner of articulation, and the state of the glottis. The session aims to equip students with the ability to define and classify speech organs, describe English consonant and vowel sounds, explain super-segmental features, and identify basic tones in English intonation.
- Speech organs are divided into those with primary (biological) and secondary (speech) functions.
- English has 24 consonant sounds and 20 vowel sounds.
- Consonant sounds are described based on their place of articulation, manner of articulation, and the state of the glottis.
Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology
The lecture begins with an introduction to phonetics and phonology, emphasizing the importance of speech as a fundamental language skill. It highlights the significance of mastering English speech sounds for effective communication and academic success, especially in an educational environment where English is the primary language of instruction. The objectives of the session include defining and classifying speech organs, describing English consonant and vowel sounds, explaining super-segmental features, and identifying basic tones used in English intonation.
Speech Organs and Their Functions
This section discusses the various parts of the human body involved in producing speech sounds, dividing them into those with primary (biological) and secondary (speech) functions. Primary functions include actions like chewing with the teeth or tasting with the tongue, while secondary functions refer to the role these organs play in speech production. Specific speech organs mentioned include the lips, teeth, alveolar ridge, hard palate, soft palate (velum), uvula, pharynx, larynx (containing the vocal cords), glottis, windpipe, and lungs, with the lungs being described as the "powerhouse of speech" due to their role in storing and supplying the air needed for speech production (pulmonic air stream).
English Speech Sounds: Consonants and Vowels
The lecture transitions to discussing English speech sounds, emphasizing the distinction between sounds and letters. Sounds are enclosed in slanting brackets and do not appear in capital letter forms, unlike letters, which have both upper and lower case forms. English has 24 consonant sounds and 20 vowel sounds, totaling 44 sounds, also referred to as "foods." The description of consonant sounds involves considering the place of articulation (where the sound is produced), the manner of articulation (how the sound is produced), and the state of the glottis (the space between the vocal cords).
Place of Articulation: Bilabial, Labiodental, and Interdental Sounds
The lecture details the place of articulation for consonant sounds, starting with bilabial sounds, which involve the use of both lips (e.g., /p/, /b/, /m/ as in "paper," "baby," "man"). Next are labiodental sounds, produced by combining the lower lip with the upper teeth (e.g., /f/, /v/ as in "favor," "van"). The section also covers interdental sounds, where the tip of the tongue is placed between the upper and lower teeth, differentiating between weak (e.g., /θ/ as in "thin," "through") and strong (e.g., /ð/ as in "them," "than") interdental sounds, noting the challenges these sounds pose for second language learners.
Place of Articulation: Alveolar, Palato-Alveolar, and Palatal Sounds
The discussion on the place of articulation continues with alveolar sounds, produced when the tip of the tongue makes contact with the alveolar ridge (e.g., /t/, /d/, /n/, /s/, /z/, /l/ as in "table," "dog," "rabbit," "lazy," "zoo"). Palato-alveolar sounds involve the hard palate and alveolar ridge working together (e.g., /ʃ/, /ʒ/, /tʃ/, /dʒ/ as in "shoe," "measure," "church," "judge"). The lecture also covers palatal sounds, where the body of the tongue presses against the hard palate, with /j/ as in "you" being the only palatal sound in English.
Place of Articulation: Velar and Glottal Sounds
This part of the lecture explains velar sounds, which are produced when the back of the tongue is raised towards the velum or soft palate (e.g., /k/, /ɡ/, /ŋ/ as in "kettle," "gaggle," "sing"). Lastly, it describes the glottal sound /h/ as in "house," which is produced in the glottis, the space between the vocal cords. The pronunciation of /h/ is discussed, noting that it is silent in words like "hour" and "honor."
Manner of Articulation: Plosives, Affricates, and Nasal Sounds
The lecture shifts to the manner of articulation, describing how speech organs make contact to produce consonant sounds. It covers plosive sounds, which involve a complete closure in the vocal tract followed by a sudden release of air (e.g., /p/, /b/, /t/, /d/, /k/, /ɡ/ as in "paper," "baby," "table," "dog," "cattle," "gaggle"). Affricate sounds involve a total closure followed by a gradual release of air (e.g., /tʃ/, /dʒ/ as in "church"). Nasal sounds are produced when the soft palate is lowered, allowing air to escape through the nose (e.g., /m/, /n/, /ŋ/).
State of the Glottis: Voiced and Voiceless Sounds
The lecture discusses the state of the glottis, explaining how English sounds can be either voiced or voiceless. Voiced sounds are produced with the vibration of the vocal cords (e.g., /z/, /v/), while voiceless sounds are produced without vibration (e.g., /s/, /f/). The vibration occurs when the vocal cords expand, narrowing the space (glottis) and forcing air to vibrate them. Conversely, voiceless sounds are produced when the vocal cords contract, widening the space and allowing air to pass freely without vibration.
Review of Consonant Sounds and Common Pronunciation Errors
The session concludes with a review of the consonant sounds discussed, presented in a table format, and addresses common pronunciation errors. It highlights silent letters in words (e.g., the 'p' in "receipt," the 'b' in "debt," the 'w' in "write") and provides examples to illustrate correct pronunciation. The lecture emphasizes the importance of mastering these sounds for improved spoken English and encourages students to use dictionaries to guide their pronunciation.
