Phonetics

What is the difference between speech sounds and non-speech sounds?

          See Shetter’s language miniature on whistled speech

What sounds do humans use to communicate?

          Check out the IPA web site

          Also see the links on phonetics for Language Files

Is the relation between the sounds and meaning in words completely arbitrary?

How do humans articulate speech sounds? (The human vocal tract)

What is the connection between the features of speech sounds and their articulation?

What is the role of the larynx in sound production?

          See vocal folds in action

Why do speech sounds fall into natural classes?

Is it possible to produce a word with two or more consonants in a row?

Do Americans really speak English?

Why don’t more computers understand speech?

This week’s lecture notes

Assignment #6: exs. 7-9, p. 88, ex. 11 p. 90, exs. 18 and 19, p. 91

Due: March 4th