An Introduction to the Sound Systems in English_PPT
Introduction
● A branch of linguistics that studies all human sounds is called phonetics. It analyses the production (articulation), transmission (sound), and perception (hearing) of sounds.
● The phonetic system of a language represents the way people use sounds in their speech. A language’s phonology classifies these sounds into vowels and consonants, long and short sounds, and many other language-specific parameters.
Phonetic System of English
The English phonetic system comprises the four components: speech sounds, syllabic word structure, stress, and intonation. To make it simple, it describes the way we produce and perceive the sounds of speech. Most ESL textbooks explain these components using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) which is described below.
Phonics vs Phonetics
Sometimes the meaning of phonics is limited to a simplified definition of phonetics. But it is incorrect. Phonetics is the academic study of the sounds of a language. Hence, this science is a branch of linguistics. Phonics is a method of teaching to read when each letter is pronounced as in the alphabet.
Phonetics vs Phonology
The phonetics and phonology difference can be explained by their approaches and methods as a science. The former is a descriptive discipline that analyzes separate sounds we use in a language. The latter is more theoretical and explores the patterns of sounds, their system, and combination.
IPA in English Phonetics
The International Phonetic Alphabet is a system of symbols representing each sound used in the English language. English language learning widely uses IPA. Linguists transcribe words in this alphabet for their research. Dictionaries use IPA to present the correct pronunciation of words. However, not some of the above use their own alphabets for various reasons. In most cases, they provide a reference table. Many of the best American English dictionaries transcribe words in a phonetic respelling system, which could be more comfortable for an unprepared reader.
International Phonetic Alphabet
IPA was developed in the XIX century but is presently used for the modern language. If you know how to pronounce each of the symbols, you will be able to use the transcription in a dictionary.
What Is an IPA Chart & How to Use It?
The IPA chart is a unique classification of sounds according to different aspects. There are 107 phonetic symbols and 52 diacritics in this phonemic transcription chart. Each of them represents its place in the mouth or throat. So everyone can reproduce the sound quickly.
The sounds in phonetics also vary by the manner of pronouncing them. What’s important here is how lips, tongue, and teeth work to produce one or another sound. The way you use breath is also essential.
The first thing to know about IPA is that there are two broad categories:
a) Vowels – these speech sounds in English are produced with air moving freely in different directions.
b) Consonants – these phonetic sounds are produced by air too, but are stopped by various parts of the mouth like tongue or teeth.
Below you’ll find consonant and vowel IPA charts. Note that you can check the phonetic symbols with audio, so you can always have an example before your eyes. Continue reading to know all the secrets of learning the transcription alphabet!
Types of Vowels in Phonetics
Usually, vowels in phonetics have the following classification:
1. Short vowels
2. Long vowels
Diphthongs – fusion of two sounds (e.g. ‘point,’ ‘though,’ ‘cloud’)
References
1. Help – Phonetics – Cambridge Dictionary
2. International Phonetic Alphabet | Britannica
3. The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) | Cambridge
4. Phonetics: The Sounds of Language | Harvard
5. Sounds of English – Aston University
6. Phonetics Overview – Cambridge University Press
7. BBC Learning English – Pronunciation
8. Sounds of Speech -IPA symbols for English consonants
● Kindly visit PPT to know more information about the sound system of English language
PPT LINK : An Introduction to the Sound Systems in English
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