Aspects of Phonetics
Which aspect studies how sounds are produced?
Articulatory phonetics
What type studies sound systems of all languages?
General phonetics
Which method uses mirror and tongue observation?
Articulatory method
Transcribe “cat” in IPA.
/kæt/
What is coarticulation, and how does it affect speech sounds?
When sounds overlap in articulation; one sound influences another. Example: “key” vs. “cool” → /k/ is produced differently because of the following vowel.
Which aspect studies physical properties like frequency and amplitude?
Acoustic phonetics
What type studies the sound system of one particular language?
Special (descriptive) phonetics
Which method uses spectrograms to analyze sounds?
Acoustic method
What is the schwa sound, and why is it important in English pronunciation?
/ə/, the most frequent and central vowel in unstressed syllables (e.g., about, teacher).
Explain the difference between a diphthong and a monophthong, with English examples.
Monophthong = single, steady vowel (e.g., /ɪ/ in sit). Diphthong = vowel glide, changing quality within one syllable (e.g., /aɪ/ in time).
Which aspect deals with how sounds are perceived by the ear and brain?
Auditory phonetics
What type compares two or more languages?
Comparative phonetics
Which method relies on trained listeners?
Auditory method
What is the difference between phonetics and phonology?
Phonetics = physical study of sounds; Phonology = how sounds function in a specific language system.
What is the main articulatory difference between voiced and voiceless consonants?
Voiced = vocal cords vibrate (e.g., /b/, /d/); Voiceless = no vibration (e.g., /p/, /t/).
Which aspect studies the function of sounds in distinguishing meaning?
Functional phonetics
What type studies historical sound changes?
Historical (diachronic) phonetics
Which method uses minimal pairs (e.g., pin–bin)?
Functional method
Explain minimal pairs and give an example.
Two words that differ by one sound and change meaning (e.g., ship vs. sheep).
What is vowel reduction, and why is it common in English?
Unstressed vowels become shorter and centralized, often to /ə/. Example: photograph vs. photography. It keeps speech faster and more natural.
Which two aspects together explain how sounds are both heard and physically analyzed?
Auditory + Acoustic
Which type is closely connected with sociolinguistics, studying pronunciation in society?
Sociophonetics
Which modern method uses computer software for analysis?
Experimental/computer-assisted methods
Define phoneme and allophone, and explain with an example from English.
Phoneme = smallest unit distinguishing meaning; Allophone = variant of a phoneme without changing meaning (e.g., /p/ in pin [pʰ] vs. spin [p]).
Why is intonation important in English, and give one example of rising vs. falling intonation.
Intonation shows meaning, attitude, or grammar. Falling: “It’s raining.” (statement). Rising: “It’s raining?” (yes/no question).