LANG1028 Module 1: Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering historical linguistics, the three branches of phonetics, phonology, and the primary articulators of the human vocal tract.

Historical Linguistics

The study of how languages change over time, focusing on the history of writing systems, etymology, and the evolution of meanings and word forms.

Etymology

The study of the history of words.

Phonetics

The study of the physical production and perception of speech sounds, focusing on how humans produce, transmit, and hear sounds.

Articulatory Phonetics

A branch of phonetics that examines how speech sounds are physically produced by the movement and position of speech organs such as the tongue, lips, and teeth.

Acoustic Phonetics

A branch of phonetics that measures the physical properties of sound waves after speech is produced, including frequency, loudness, duration, and resonance.

Auditory Phonetics

A branch of phonetics that studies how speech sounds are received and interpreted by listeners, including speech perception and auditory processing.

Phonology

The study of the sound system of a language, focusing on the mental representation of sounds and the rules governing sound patterns and combinations.

Velum

The soft palate, which acts as a speech organ or articulator in the production of sounds.

Tongue Tip

The part of the tongue used to produce sounds such as $/t/$, $/d/$, and $/n/$.

Tongue Blade

The portion of the tongue located just behind the tip, used for sounds like $/\text{ʃ}/$ (sh) and $/\text{ʒ}/$ (measure).

Tongue Body

The middle portion of the tongue that is important for producing vowel sounds.

Back of the Tongue

The region of the tongue used for velar sounds such as $/k/$, $/g/$, and $/\text{ŋ}/$ (as in sing).

Vocal Folds

Also known as vocal cords, these are located inside the larynx and contribute to the production of different speech sounds.