Articulatory phonetics: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 18:47, 23 March 2025

Articulatory Phonetics[edit]

Articulatory phonetics is a branch of phonetics concerned with how humans produce speech sounds via the interaction of different physiological structures. It is one of the three main branches of phonetics, alongside acoustic phonetics and auditory phonetics.

Overview[edit]

Articulatory phonetics studies the physical processes involved in the production of speech sounds. It examines the role of the vocal tract, including the larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, and nasal cavity, in shaping the sounds of speech. The field also explores how different parts of the mouth, such as the tongue, lips, and teeth, contribute to the articulation of sounds.

The Vocal Tract[edit]

The vocal tract is a complex system that includes several key anatomical structures:

Larynx: The larynx, or voice box, houses the vocal cords and is crucial for phonation. It is located at the top of the trachea.

Pharynx: The pharynx is a muscular tube that connects the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx and esophagus. It plays a significant role in modifying the sound produced by the vocal cords.

Oral Cavity: The oral cavity includes the mouth and is bounded by the lips, teeth, and palate. It is the primary resonating chamber for speech sounds.

Nasal Cavity: The nasal cavity is involved in the production of nasal sounds, such as [m], [n], and [ŋ].

Places of Articulation[edit]

The place of articulation refers to the location within the vocal tract where the airflow is constricted to produce different speech sounds. Common places of articulation include:

Bilabial: Sounds produced with both lips, such as [p] and [b].
Labiodental: Sounds produced with the lower lip against the upper teeth, such as [f] and [v].
Dental: Sounds produced with the tongue against the teeth, such as [θ] and [ð].
Alveolar: Sounds produced with the tongue against the alveolar ridge, such as [t] and [d].
Palatal: Sounds produced with the tongue against the hard palate, such as [ʃ] and [ʒ].
Velar: Sounds produced with the tongue against the soft palate, such as [k] and [g].
Glottal: Sounds produced at the glottis, such as [h].

Manner of Articulation[edit]

The manner of articulation describes how the airflow is manipulated to produce different types of sounds. Key manners of articulation include:

Plosive: Complete closure of the vocal tract followed by a release, as in [p] and [b].
Fricative: Partial closure of the vocal tract, creating turbulent airflow, as in [f] and [s].
Affricate: A combination of a plosive and a fricative, as in [tʃ] and [dʒ].
Nasal: Airflow is directed through the nose, as in [m] and [n].
Approximant: A narrowing of the vocal tract without turbulent airflow, as in [l] and [r].

Speech Production Process[edit]

Speech production involves a complex coordination of the respiratory system, the laryngeal system, and the articulatory system. The process begins with the generation of airflow from the lungs, which is modulated by the vocal cords in the larynx to produce voiced or voiceless sounds. The articulators then shape these sounds into distinct speech sounds.

Real-time Imaging[edit]

Advancements in imaging technology, such as real-time MRI, have allowed researchers to observe the dynamic processes of speech production. These technologies provide insights into the rapid movements of the articulators during speech.

File:Real-time MRI - Speaking (English).ogv

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Short description|Type of nuclear reactor}}
+== Articulatory Phonetics ==
-{{Nuclear technology}}
-'''Aqueous homogeneous reactors''' (AHRs) are a type of [[nuclear reactor]] in which the nuclear fuel is dissolved in water, forming a homogeneous solution. This design contrasts with other reactor types where the fuel is in solid form. AHRs are a subset of [[homogeneous reactors]], which are characterized by having the fuel and moderator mixed together in a single phase.
+[[File:Phonological_anatomy_1.png|Phonological anatomy diagram|thumb|right]]
-==Design and Operation==
+'''Articulatory phonetics''' is a branch of [[phonetics]] concerned with how humans produce speech sounds via the interaction of different physiological structures. It is one of the three main branches of phonetics, alongside [[acoustic phonetics]] and [[auditory phonetics]].
-Aqueous homogeneous reactors typically use [[uranium]] or [[plutonium]] salts dissolved in water as the fuel. The water acts both as a [[neutron moderator]] and a coolant. The reactor core is essentially a tank filled with this solution, and the nuclear reaction occurs throughout the entire volume of the solution.
-The homogeneous nature of the fuel solution allows for a uniform distribution of the nuclear reaction, which can lead to more efficient use of the fuel. The reactor is usually operated at low pressures and temperatures compared to other reactor types, which can simplify the design and reduce the risk of certain types of accidents.
+== Overview ==
-==Advantages==
+Articulatory phonetics studies the physical processes involved in the production of speech sounds. It examines the role of the [[vocal tract]], including the [[larynx]], [[pharynx]], [[oral cavity]], and [[nasal cavity]], in shaping the sounds of speech. The field also explores how different parts of the mouth, such as the [[tongue]], [[lips]], and [[teeth]], contribute to the articulation of sounds.
-Aqueous homogeneous reactors have several advantages:
-* '''Simplicity of Design''': The lack of solid fuel elements simplifies the reactor design and eliminates the need for complex fuel fabrication processes.
-* '''Efficient Fuel Use''': The homogeneous mixture allows for a more complete burn-up of the nuclear fuel, potentially reducing waste.
-* '''Ease of Refueling''': The liquid fuel can be easily processed and refueled without the need to shut down the reactor.
-==Disadvantages==
+== The Vocal Tract ==
-Despite their advantages, AHRs also have significant challenges:
-* '''Corrosion''': The presence of water and dissolved salts can lead to corrosion of reactor components.
-* '''Radiolysis''': The interaction of radiation with water can produce gases such as hydrogen and oxygen, which need to be managed to prevent explosive mixtures.
-* '''Limited Power Output''': AHRs are generally limited to low power outputs, making them unsuitable for large-scale power generation.
-==Applications==
+The vocal tract is a complex system that includes several key anatomical structures:
-Aqueous homogeneous reactors have been used primarily for research purposes and the production of medical isotopes. Their ability to produce a high neutron flux in a small volume makes them ideal for these applications.
-==History==
+* '''Larynx''': The larynx, or voice box, houses the [[vocal cords]] and is crucial for phonation. It is located at the top of the [[trachea]].
-The concept of homogeneous reactors dates back to the early days of nuclear research. The first AHRs were developed in the 1940s and 1950s as part of the [[Manhattan Project]] and subsequent research programs. The [[Oak Ridge National Laboratory]] (ORNL) in the United States was a key site for the development and testing of these reactors.
-==Gallery==
+* '''Pharynx''': The pharynx is a muscular tube that connects the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx and esophagus. It plays a significant role in modifying the sound produced by the vocal cords.
-<gallery>
-File:Aqueous_homogeneous_reactor_at_ORNL.jpg|Aqueous homogeneous reactor at ORNL
-File:Homogeneous_reactor_cut_away.jpg|Cutaway view of a homogeneous reactor
-</gallery>
-==Related pages==
+[[File:Diagram_showing_the_parts_of_the_pharynx_CRUK_334.svg|Diagram showing the parts of the pharynx|thumb|left]]
-* [[Nuclear reactor]]
-* [[Neutron moderator]]
-* [[Nuclear fuel]]
-* [[Oak Ridge National Laboratory]]
-[[Category:Nuclear reactors]]
+* '''Oral Cavity''': The oral cavity includes the mouth and is bounded by the lips, teeth, and palate. It is the primary resonating chamber for speech sounds.
-[[Category:Nuclear technology]]
-== Articulatory_phonetics ==
+* '''Nasal Cavity''': The nasal cavity is involved in the production of nasal sounds, such as [m], [n], and [ŋ].
-<gallery>
-File:Phonological_anatomy_1.png|Phonological anatomy diagram
+== Places of Articulation ==
-File:Diagram_showing_the_parts_of_the_pharynx_CRUK_334.svg|Diagram showing the parts of the pharynx
-File:Places_of_articulation.svg|Places of articulation
+[[File:Places_of_articulation.svg|Places of articulation|thumb|right]]
-File:Larynx_external_en.svg|External view of the larynx
-File:Real-time_MRI_-_Speaking_(English).ogv|Real-time MRI of speaking
+The place of articulation refers to the location within the vocal tract where the airflow is constricted to produce different speech sounds. Common places of articulation include:
-</gallery>
+* '''Bilabial''': Sounds produced with both lips, such as [p] and [b].
+* '''Labiodental''': Sounds produced with the lower lip against the upper teeth, such as [f] and [v].
+* '''Dental''': Sounds produced with the tongue against the teeth, such as [θ] and [ð].
+* '''Alveolar''': Sounds produced with the tongue against the alveolar ridge, such as [t] and [d].
+* '''Palatal''': Sounds produced with the tongue against the hard palate, such as [ʃ] and [ʒ].
+* '''Velar''': Sounds produced with the tongue against the soft palate, such as [k] and [g].
+* '''Glottal''': Sounds produced at the glottis, such as [h].
+== Manner of Articulation ==
+The manner of articulation describes how the airflow is manipulated to produce different types of sounds. Key manners of articulation include:
+* '''Plosive''': Complete closure of the vocal tract followed by a release, as in [p] and [b].
+* '''Fricative''': Partial closure of the vocal tract, creating turbulent airflow, as in [f] and [s].
+* '''Affricate''': A combination of a plosive and a fricative, as in [tʃ] and [dʒ].
+* '''Nasal''': Airflow is directed through the nose, as in [m] and [n].
+* '''Approximant''': A narrowing of the vocal tract without turbulent airflow, as in [l] and [r].
+== Speech Production Process ==
+Speech production involves a complex coordination of the respiratory system, the laryngeal system, and the articulatory system. The process begins with the generation of airflow from the lungs, which is modulated by the vocal cords in the larynx to produce voiced or voiceless sounds. The articulators then shape these sounds into distinct speech sounds.
+[[File:Larynx_external_en.svg|External view of the larynx|thumb|left]]
+== Real-time Imaging ==
+Advancements in imaging technology, such as [[real-time MRI]], have allowed researchers to observe the dynamic processes of speech production. These technologies provide insights into the rapid movements of the articulators during speech.
+[[File:Real-time_MRI_-_Speaking_(English).ogv|Real-time MRI of speaking|thumb|right]]
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Phonetics]]
+* [[Acoustic phonetics]]
+* [[Auditory phonetics]]
+* [[Phonology]]
+{{Phonetics}}
+[[Category:Phonetics]]
+[[Category:Linguistics]]