Meaning of Phonetics (What is, Concept and Definition)

What is Phonetics:

It is known as phonetics to the linguistic science that deals with the study of sounds in their physical realization, their different characteristics and particularities.of the word phonetic is the Greek term "phone", which means 'sound' or 'voice'.

Phonetics uses a set of symbols that are called phonetic alphabets to represent the sounds with scientific accuracy, and that sometimes coincide with the usual alphabet.The sounds are called allophones and are represented in square brackets ( [] ).

In the production of a Sound can distinguish three types of phonetics: articulatory, acoustic and auditory.

Articulatory phonetics

In the production of articulated sound three kinds of organs are involved: the organs of respiration (lungs , bronchi, trachea), the organs of phonation (vocal cords, larynx, resonators), and articulation organs (tongue, palate, lips, teeth and glottis).

The air passes from the lungs to the bronchial tubes and then to the trachea, on whose upper part the larynx is located.In the larynx, the vocal cords are located, two flexible muscles that they vibrate with the passing of the breath time.If the vocal cords approach and vibrate, the sound sounds are produced.On the contrary, if the vocal cords do not vibrate and let the air pass freely, the deaf sounds are produced.

Sound articulation is known at the specific placement of the organs of the mouth (lips, tongue, palate, veil of the palate, teeth, alveoli, and hard palate) at the time the sound is produced.Mobility of two of the organs of the oral cavity, tongue and lips, is where it originates most of the sounds.

Acoustic phonetics

Based on the description of the different organs involved in the phonation process, a classification of sounds can be established, c omo:

• Vocal/non-vocal sound, if the air does not find obstacles in its exit.
• Consonant/non-consonant sound, if the air finds obstacles in its exit.
• Sound sound, if the vocal cords vibrate.
• Sound dull, if the vocal cords do not vibrate.
• Nasal sound, if the air comes out through the nasal passage.
• Oral sound, if air exits the oral cavity.
• Compact/diffuse sound.
• Interrupted/continuous sound.
• Serious/acute sound.

Auditory phonetics

Auditory phonetics are related to the auditory perception of sound through speech.

International Phonetic Alphabet (AFI)

This is an internationally established alphabetical system that allows people to orient themselves in the specific pronunciation of phonemes.Represents the sounds available in any language.Therefore, dictionaries these signs are usually included in square brackets next to the word a define.

For example, the phonetic of the Spanish word "house" is represented as follows: [ˈka.sa]

Phonetics and phonology

First, phonetics and phonology are two sciences that deal with the study of sounds.

As such, phonetics is responsible for studying the sounds that pronounce the human voice , specifically its formation, characteristics and singularities.On the other hand, phonology is the linguistic science that studies phonemes, that is, the mental representation we all have of sounds.

For more information, see the phonology article.