Speakers produce different frequencies and sounds through the coordinated movement of various speech organs, such as the vocal cords, tongue, lips, and teeth. Here's a general overview of the process:
Respiration: The production of speech starts with the respiratory system. The diaphragm and intercostal muscles control the airflow as you breathe in and out.
Phonation: The vocal cords, located in the larynx (voice box), play a crucial role in generating sound. When you exhale, the airflow causes the vocal cords to vibrate, producing a buzzing sound.
Articulation: The sound produced by the vocal cords then undergoes further modification in the oral and nasal cavities through articulatory movements. Here are some key articulatory actions:
- Tongue: The position and movement of the tongue play a vital role in shaping the vocal tract. It can touch various points in the mouth to create different sounds.
- Lips: By opening or closing the lips, different sounds like "p," "b," "m," and "f" can be produced.
- Teeth: The interaction between the tongue and teeth can influence the production of sounds like "th" and "s."
- Palate and Velum: The position of the palate (roof of the mouth) and the velum (soft part at the back of the mouth) can control the airflow through the nasal cavity. When the velum is raised, the airflow is directed solely through the oral cavity. When it is lowered, air can pass through the nasal cavity, producing nasal sounds like "m" and "n."
Resonance: The shape and size of the vocal tract, which includes the pharynx, oral cavity, and nasal cavity, determine the quality and timbre of the sound produced. These resonating chambers amplify and shape the sound generated by the vocal cords.
By combining various articulatory movements and controlling the airflow and vocal cord vibration, speakers can produce a wide range of frequencies and sounds to form words, sentences, and different languages. It's important to note that different languages have their own unique set of phonetic features and speech patterns, resulting in variations in the sounds produced.