The spelling of the term "articulatory phonetics" can be explained through its IPA transcription: /ɑrˌtɪkjəˈleɪtəri fəˈnɛtɪks/. The first part, "articulatory," refers to the production of speech sounds by the articulation of the vocal tract, which includes the lips, tongue, and other structures. The second part, "phonetics," pertains to the study of speech sounds and their physical properties. Together, the term describes the branch of phonetics concerned with the physical production of speech sounds and their characteristics.
Articulatory phonetics is a branch of phonetics that focuses on the physical processes involved in producing speech sounds. It investigates the way in which speech sounds are formed by examining the positions and movements of the articulatory organs, such as the tongue, lips, and vocal cords.
In the study of articulatory phonetics, researchers analyze how different sounds are created through the coordination of specific articulatory gestures. This includes examining the location of contact or constriction between articulators, the amount of airflow, and the tension of vocal cords. By studying these physical aspects, articulatory phonetics aims to understand the specific mechanisms that enable humans to produce the vast array of sounds found in different languages.
The findings from articulatory phonetics have practical applications in various fields, such as language acquisition, linguistics, and speech therapy. For example, articulatory phonetics provides insights into the production difficulties experienced by individuals with speech disorders and can inform therapy techniques to correct these difficulties.
Overall, articulatory phonetics plays a crucial role in the study of speech sounds, providing a foundation for understanding how speech is produced and offering valuable implications for numerous disciplines involved in the analysis and treatment of speech and language disorders.
The word "articulatory" is derived from the Latin word "articulus", meaning "joint" or "knuckle". It was originally used in the field of anatomy to refer to the joints of the body. In phonetics, "articulatory" describes the process of producing speech sounds through the movement or positioning of the articulatory organs, such as the lips, tongue, teeth, vocal cords, etc.
The term "phonetics" comes from the Greek word "phone", meaning "sound" or "voice". It refers to the study of the sounds of human speech and their production, transmission, and perception.
Thus, "articulatory phonetics" combines the concept of "articulation" in the anatomical sense with the study of the sounds of speech, encompassing the physical processes involved in producing sounds and their analysis.