Practical Introduction To Phonetics

Product Description

An understanding of phonetics
- of the mechanisms of speech of how the sounds of language are produced & of how they can be analysed & classified
- is an essential acquirement for all those who have to deal with language & languages either theoretically or practically. This book is an introduction to general phonetics which explores the entire range of human sounds systematically covering all types of modification of speech (breath voice whisper creak etc.) articulation (the ways in which the air stream is finally modulated to generate specific types of sound) & prosodic features (stress syllable tone intonation etc.). In addition there is a chapter on sound systems
- the ways in which particular languages utilize & systematize the universal sound-producing potential of man. The entire range of phonetic categories is introduced in 124 experiments to be carried out in the readrers own vocal tract. In this way the reader acquires a personal awareness of the principles of phonetic analysis & classification rather than a merely intellectual knowledge of them. This highly practical approach is informed throughout by recent research particularly in the aerodynamics & acoustics of speech. NEW TO THE SECOND EDITION: New format & text design Updated usage of phonetic symobls in line with the most recent International Phonetic Alphabet Chart (1996) Revisions to 9 figures Text updated & clarified for ease of reading Revised further reading section with recent publications & more attention to aerodynamics acoustics & prosodies New references to the most important new publications