IPA AND SYMBOLS
Welcome to our class on the IPA and Symbols. Remember that in our previous class, we
learnt that - English uses about 44 different sounds, but only 26 letters in the alphabet.
These 44 distinct sounds, which are known as phonemes are represented by a variety of
letters and combinations of letters in the alphabet.
However, there are only 26 letters in the English alphabet, which means that some letters
and letter combinations (digraphs and trigraphs) are used to represent multiple sounds.
This complexity in the relationship between letters and sounds is one of the reasons why
English spelling and pronunciation can be challenging for learners.
- The same letters can be pronounced differently in different words, making it difficult to
know how to pronounce a word from its spelling hence the importance of learning the IPA.
The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) uses a unique set of symbols to represent the
sounds of spoken languages. Each symbol corresponds to a specific mouth position and
sound.
The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is an alphabetic system of phonetic notation
based primarily on the Latin script. It was devised by the International Phonetic
Association in the late 19th century as a standardized representation of speech sounds in
written form.[1] The IPA is used by lexicographers, foreign language students and
teachers, linguists, speech–language pathologists, singers, actors, constructed language
creators, and translators.
IPA and Symbols
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In this section of our class, we will learn about
1. Mouth Position: The IPA represents mouth positions using various symbols.
2. Rounded and Unrounded Sounds
3. IPA Symbols: Each IPA symbol represents a specific sound or mouth position.
4. Diphthongs - Which are combinations of two vowels that form a single sound.
5. A phonetic map of the human mouth which shows where each sound originates, from
the lips to the throat.
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Mouth Position
The IPA represents mouth positions using
various symbols. These positions include:
Close
"beat" (/biːt/)
"see" (/siː/)
Open
"father" (/ˈfɑːðər/)
"hot" (/hɒt/)
Mid
"bet" (/bet/)
"say" (/seɪ/)
Front
"cat" (/kæt/)
"pat" (/pæt/)
Central
"about" (/əˈbaʊt/)
"sofa" (/ˈsoʊfə/)
Back
"book" (/bʊk/)
"put" (/pʊt/)
Lets begin by gaining an understanding of the mouth positions:
The IPA represents mouth positions using various symbols. These positions include:
1) Close: Sounds made with the tongue close to the roof of the mouth.
Examples: [i] as in
"beat" (/biːt/)
This is a high front close vowel, where the tongue is close to the roof of the mouth and
towards the front.
"see" (/siː/)
The tongue is close to the roof of the mouth, towards the front.
2) Open: Sounds made with the tongue far from the roof of the mouth.
Example:
[ɑ] as in "father" (/ˈfɑːðər/)
This is an open back unrounded vowel, where the tongue is far from the roof of the mouth
and towards the back.
"hot" (/hɒt/)
The tongue is farther away from the roof of the mouth, towards the back.
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3) Mid: Sounds made with the tongue in the middle of the mouth.
Example:
"bet" (/bet/)
The tongue is in the middle of the mouth, not too high or too low.
[e] as in "say" (/seɪ/)
This is a mid front unrounded vowel, where the tongue is in the middle of the mouth,
neither close nor open, and towards the front.
4) Front: Sounds made with the tongue in the front of the mouth.
[æ] as in "cat" (/kæt/)
This is a front open unrounded vowel, where the tongue is towards the front of the mouth.
"pat" (/pæt/)
The tongue is towards the front of the mouth.
5) Central: Sounds made with the tongue in the center of the mouth.
Example: "about" (/əˈbaʊt/)
The tongue is in the middle of the mouth, neither front nor back.
"sofa" (/ˈsoʊfə/)
The vowel sound in "sofa" is also central, with the tongue positioned neutrally in the
mouth.
6) Back: Sounds made with the tongue at the back of the mouth.
Example: "book" (/bʊk/)
The tongue is towards the back of the mouth.
[ʊ] as in "put" (/pʊt/)
This is a near-close near-back rounded vowel, where the tongue is towards the back of the
mouth.
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The main organs involved in articulating speech sounds are:
1. Lungs: Provide the air source for speech.
2. Larynx: Contains the vocal cords that vibrate to produce voiced sounds.
3. Pharynx: A tube above the larynx that helps shape the air stream.
4. Velum (Soft Palate): Can be raised to block air from escaping through the nose.
5. Tongue: Moves to touch or approach other organs to produce distinct speech sounds.
6. Jaw: Helps shape the air stream.
7. Lips: Used for bilabial and labiodental sounds.
8. Teeth: Used for dental sounds and rounding vowels.
9. Alveolar Ridge: Between the teeth and hard palate, where alveolar sounds are made.
10. Hard Palate: Forms the roof of the mouth.
11. Nasal Cavity: Helps shape the air stream.
12. Mouth: The final destination of the air stream.
These organs work together to produce the various speech sounds and syllables that make
up human language
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Watch this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szOSI3gkltU
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Rounded Vowels:
ɒ: Low back rounded vowel, like in
British "hot".
o: Tense mid back rounded vowel, like
in "go" or "hope".
ɔ: Lax mid back rounded vowel, like in
"dog" for many speakers
Unrounded Vowels:
æ: Low front unrounded vowel, like in
"cat" or "laugh".
ɛ: Lax mid front unrounded vowel, like
in "bet" or "head".
a: Low central (or front) unrounded
vowel, like in French "la".
ɑ: Low back unrounded vowel, often
written as [a].
ə: Lax mid central vowel (unstressed in
English), like in "about" or "sofa"
The concept of rounded and unrounded sounds is crucial in phonology, particularly when
it comes to vowel sounds.
Roundedness refers to the amount of rounding in the lips during the articulation of a
vowel. When a vowel is pronounced with rounding, the lips form a circular opening,
whereas unrounded vowels are pronounced with the lips relaxed.
Rounded and Unrounded Vowels in English
In English, front vowels tend to be unrounded, while back vowels tend to be rounded. This
is reflected in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) vowel chart, where rounded
vowels appear on the right in each pair of vowels.
Here are some examples of rounded and unrounded vowels in English:
Rounded Vowels
o: Short and long rounded vowel sounds, such as "oh" and "ooh".
o: Another example of a rounded vowel sound, like in "boot" or "book".
u: Back, tense, rounded vowel sound, like in "put" or "foot".
Unrounded Vowels
e: Front, tense, unrounded vowel sound, like in "meet" or "pet".
ɛ: Front, lax, unrounded vowel sound, like in "bet" or "pet".
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æ: Front, unrounded vowel sound, like in "cat" or "hat".
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Each IPA symbol represents a specific sound or mouth position. For example:
/i/: The sound of the letter "i"
in "hit".
/e/: The sound of the letter
"e" in "pet".
/a/: The sound of the letter
"a" in "father".
/o/: The sound of the letter
"o" in "hot".
/u/: The sound of the letter
"u" in "put".
3. IPA Symbols: Each IPA symbol represents a specific sound or mouth position. For
example:
- /i/: The sound of the letter "i" in "hit".
- /e/: The sound of the letter "e" in "pet".
- /a/: The sound of the letter "a" in "father".
- /o/: The sound of the letter "o" in "hot".
- /u/: The sound of the letter "u" in "put".
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Diphthongs
Diphthongs are combinations of two vowels that form a single sound. In
the IPA, these are represented by a combination of symbols. For
example:
- /aɪ/: The sound of the letters "ai" in "sky".
- /oʊ/: The sound of the letters "o" in "over"
Diphthongs are combinations of two vowels that form a single sound. In the IPA, these are
represented by a combination of symbols. For example:
- /aɪ/: The sound of the letters "ai" in "sky".
- /oʊ/: The sound of the letters "o" in "over"
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. In the IPA, diphthongs are represented by a combination of symbols. For example:
- /aɪ/: The sound of the letters "ai" in "sky".
- /oʊ/: The sound of the letters "o" in "over".
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The mouth organs
and articulation of
speech sounds
The mouth organs play a crucial role in teaching and learning phonetics, as they are
responsible for the articulation of various speech sounds.
1. Lips:
bilabial : the two-lip sound. Related word: bicycle (two cycles); labia is Latin for lip. What
kinds of sounds do you make with your two lips?
- The lips are involved in the production of bilabial sounds, such as [p], [b], and [m].
- Example: Demonstrating the lip closure and release for the production of the [p] sound
in "pat".
2. Teeth:
Dental : sound is created through the teeth. Related word dentist. What kind of sounds do
you make with your teeth?
- The teeth, particularly the upper and lower incisors, are involved in the production of
labiodental sounds, such as [f] and [v].
- Example: Showing how the lower lip contacts the upper teeth to produce the [f] sound
in "fan".
3. Tongue:
- The tongue is a highly versatile articulator, responsible for the production of many
different sou nds.
- The tip, blade, front, and back of the tongue can be used to produce sounds like [t], [d],
[s], [z], [ʃ], and [ʒ].
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- Example: Illustrating the placement of the tongue tip behind the upper teeth to
produce the [t] sound in "top".
4. Alveolar Ridge:
- The alveolar ridge, located behind the upper front teeth, is the place of articulation for
sounds like [t], [d], [n], and [l].
- Example: Demonstrating how the tongue tip contacts the alveolar ridge to produce the
[t] sound in "top".
5. Hard Palate:
- The hard palate, located behind the alveolar ridge, is involved in the production of
palatal sounds, such as [ʃ], [ʒ], and [j].
- Example: Showing how the tongue blade raises towards the hard palate to produce the
[ʃ] sound in "shoe".
6. Soft Palate (Velum):
- The soft palate, or velum, controls the passage of air through the nasal or oral cavities,
affecting the production of nasal sounds like [m], [n], and [ŋ].
- Example: Explaining how the soft palate is lowered to allow air to flow through the nasal
cavity, resulting in the [m] sound in "mat".
By demonstrating the precise positioning and movements of the mouth organs, teachers
can help students develop a clear understanding of how different speech sounds are
articulated. This knowledge is essential for improving pronunciation, accent reduction,
and overall communication s kills.
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Phonetic Map
Bilabial Sounds
These sounds are produced when the airflow is
obstructed by the closure or near-closure of the lips
Bilabial Plosives: These are sounds that involve a
brief stop of airflow through the mouth, such as
the voiceless bilabial plosive [p] and the voiced
bilabial plosive [b].
Bilabial Nasals: These are sounds that involve
the nasal cavity, such as the voiced bilabial nasal
[m].
Bilabial Fricatives: These are sounds that
involve the friction of air between the lips, such
as the voiceless bilabial fricative [ɸ] and the
voiced bilabial fricative.
Bilabial Approximants: These are sounds that
involve the approximation of the lips, such as the
voiced labial velar approximant [w].
Examples of bilabial sounds include:
- /p/ (as in "pat"): Voiceless stop plosive
- /b/ (as in "bat"): Voiced stop plosive
- /m/ (as in "mat"): Voiced nasal
- /w/ (as in "water"): Voiced glide
Phonetic Map
A phonetic map of the human mouth shows where each sound originates, from the lips to
the throat. This helps visualize the mouth positions and sounds represented by the IPA
symbols
Bilabial Sounds
Bilabial sounds are a fundamental aspect of human speech, characterized by the use of
both lips in their articulation. These sounds are produced when the airflow is obstructed
by the closure or near-closure of the lips[1][2][5].
Bilabial sound types include:
- Bilabial Plosives: These are sounds that involve a brief stop of airflow through the mouth,
such as the voiceless bilabial plosive [p] and the voiced bilabial plosive [b].
- Bilabial Nasals: These are sounds that involve the nasal cavity, such as the voiced bilabial
nasal [m].
- Bilabial Fricatives: These are sounds that involve the friction of air between the lips, such
as the voiceless bilabial fricative [ɸ] and the voiced bilabial fricative.
- Bilabial Approximants: These are sounds that involve the approximation of the lips, such
as the voiced labial velar approximant [w].
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Examples of bilabial sounds include:
- /p/ (as in "pat"): Voiceless stop plosive
- /b/ (as in "bat"): Voiced stop plosive
- /m/ (as in "mat"): Voiced nasal
- /w/ (as in "water"): Voiced glide
Importance for Non-Native Speakers
Understanding bilabial sounds is crucial for non-native speakers to improve their
pronunciation and accent reduction. By visualizing the precise mouth positions and
movements involved in articulating these sounds, learners can better practice and master
the full range of speech sounds.
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Phonetic Map
Labiodental Sounds
Produced by articulating the lower lip and the upper
teeth.
Examples of labiodental sounds include:
- [f]: Voiceless labiodental fricative
- [v]: Voiced labiodental fricative
- [ʋ]: Voiced labiodental approximant
- ⱱ: Voiced labiodental flap
Labiodental Sounds
Labiodental sounds are produced by articulating the lower lip and the upper teeth. These
sounds are relatively rare in languages but can be found in various forms, such as
fricatives, nasals, plosives, and approximants.
IPA Symbols for Labiodental Sounds
The IPA symbols for labiodental sounds include:
- [ɱ]: Voiced labiodental nasal
- [p̪ ]: Voiceless labiodental plosive
- [b̪ ]: Voiced labiodental plosive
- [p̪͡f]: Voiceless labiodental affricate
- [b̪͡v]: Voiced labiodental affricate
- [f]: Voiceless labiodental fricative
- [v]: Voiced labiodental fricative
- [ʋ]: Voiced labiodental approximant
- ⱱ: Voiced labiodental flap
Examples of labiodental sounds include:
- [ɱ]: Voiced labiodental nasal (e.g., in the word "symphony")
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- [p̪ ]: Voiceless labiodental plosive (e.g., in the word "sapphire")
- [f]: Voiceless labiodental fricative (e.g., in the word "fan")
- [v]: Voiced labiodental fricative (e.g., in the word "van")
- [ʋ]: Voiced labiodental approximant (e.g., in the word "wang")
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Phonetic Map
Interdental Sounds
Interdental sounds are produced by placing the tip of
the tongue between the upper and lower front teeth.
This is different from typical dental sounds, where
the tongue contacts the back of the upper teeth.
Used when producing interdental sounds like [θ]
and [ð]
Interdental Fricatives:[θ] - Voiceless interdental
fricative (e.g., in "thin", "math")
[ð] - Voiced interdental fricative (e.g., in "this",
"bathe")
Interdental sounds
Interdental sounds are produced by placing the tip of the tongue between the upper and
lower front teeth. This is different from typical dental sounds, where the tongue contacts
the back of the upper teeth. Used when producing interdental sounds like [θ] and [ð]
Interdental Fricatives:[θ] - Voiceless interdental fricative (e.g., in "thin", "math")
[ð] - Voiced interdental fricative (e.g., in "this", "bathe")
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Phonetic Map
Alveolar Sounds
These sounds are produced by placing the tongue
against or close to the superior alveolar ridge, which
contains the alveoli (the sockets) of the upper teeth
Here are some examples of alveolar sounds in
English:
/t/ (e.g., "tap")
/d/ (e.g., "dot")
/n/ (e.g., "nut")
/l/ (e.g., "lap")
/r/ (e.g., "red")
Alveolar sound is created by your tongue touching your gums. From Latin alveolus which
means “hollow” (your tooth socket, the gums, where your teeth reside). The alveolar ridge
are the gums behind your teeth.
Here are some examples of alveolar sounds in different languages:
English:
/t/ (e.g., "tap")
/d/ (e.g., "dot")
/n/ (e.g., "nut")
/l/ (e.g., "lap")
/r/ (e.g., "red")
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Phonetic Map
Post-Alveolar Sounds
Post-alveolar sounds are a type of consonantal
sound in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
that are produced by placing the tongue behind the
alveolar ridge, which is the bumpy ridge just behind
the front teeth on the roof of the mouth. This type of
sound is commonly found in many languages,
including English.
In English, there are four post-alveolar sounds:
SH /ʃ/ (e.g., "shoe")
ZH /ʒ/ (e.g., "treasure")
CH /ʧ/ (e.g., "church")
J /ʤ/ (e.g., "judge")
Post-alveolar sounds are a type of consonantal sound in the International Phonetic
Alphabet (IPA) that are produced by placing the tongue behind the alveolar ridge, which is
the bumpy ridge just behind the front teeth on the roof of the mouth. This type of sound
is commonly found in many languages, including English.
In English, there are four post-alveolar sounds:
SH /ʃ/ (e.g., "shoe")
ZH /ʒ/ (e.g., "treasure")
CH /ʧ/ (e.g., "church")
J /ʤ/ (e.g., "judge")
These sounds are characterized by the tongue being further back than for the alveolar
sounds /s/ and /z/, but still near the alveolar ridge. This placement of the tongue creates a
distinct sound with a strident noise caused by the tongue grooving and shooting a jet of
air at the back of the teeth
......................................
Key Takeaways - Key Takeaways
1) Post-alveolar sounds are a type of consonantal sound in the IPA.
2) They are produced by placing the tongue behind the alveolar ridge.
3) There are four post-alveolar sounds in English: SH /ʃ/, ZH /ʒ/, CH /ʧ/, and J /ʤ/.
4) The IPA symbol for post-alveolar sounds is /ʃ/, /ʒ/, /ʧ/, and /ʤ/.
IPA and Symbols
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IPA and Symbols
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Phonetic Map
Palatal
Palatal sounds are articulated by raising the
body of the tongue towards the hard palate,
creating a constriction in the airflow.
This is different from post-alveolar sounds,
where the tongue is further back towards the
alveolar ridge.
Palatal sounds are produced by raising the
middle of the tongue towards the hard palate.
Examples of palatal sounds in English
include:/j/ (as in "yes")
Palatal sounds are articulated by raising the body of the tongue towards the hard palate,
creating a constriction in the airflow.
This is different from post-alveolar sounds, where the tongue is further back towards the
alveolar ridge.
Common palatal sounds in English include the consonants /j/ (as in "yes")
......................................
Key differences between the post alveolar and palatal sounds
Post-alveolar sounds are produced by placing the tongue behind the alveolar ridge,
whereas palatal sounds are produced by raising the tongue towards the hard palate.
Post-alveolar sounds typically have a more strident or sharp quality, while palatal sounds
tend to be more soft and gentle.
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Phonetic Map
Velar
Velar sounds are consonants that are
pronounced with the back part of the tongue
against the soft palate.
Examples of velar sounds in English include:K /k/
(as in "kite")
G /g/ (as in "go")
NG /ŋ/ (as in "sing")
W /w/ (as in "wet")
Velar sounds are consonants that are pronounced with the back part of the tongue against
the soft palate.
Examples of velar sounds in English include:
K /k/ (as in "kite")
G /g/ (as in "go")
NG /ŋ/ (as in "sing")
W /w/ (as in "wet")
............................
Exercises that involve converting alveolar or palatal sounds into velar sounds can help
students develop the proper articulation.
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Phonetic Map
Glottal
The glottal stop is a type of consonantal sound
represented by the IPA symbol /ʔ/.
It is produced by closing the vocal folds to
completely block airflow, creating a momentary
stoppage of sound.
1. Examples of the glottal stop in English include
words like "uh-oh" and the pronunciation of
"mitten" as "mi'en"
2. In English, the glottal stop is often used as an
allophone of /t/ in certain environments, like
"bu'er" for "butter"
Here are the key points about glottal sounds and the glottal stop when teaching the
International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA):
1. Definition and Examples:
- The glottal stop is a type of consonantal sound represented by the IPA symbol /ʔ/.
- It is produced by closing the vocal folds to completely block airflow, creating a
momentary stoppage of sound.
- Examples of the glottal stop in English include words like "uh-oh" and the pronunciation
of "mitten" as "mi'en".
2. Articulation and Voicing:
- The glottal stop is a voiceless sound, as the vocal folds are completely closed during its
produc tion.
- It is classified as a glottal consonant, as it is produced at the glottis (the opening
between the vocal folds).
3. Usage in Languages:
- The glottal stop is common in many languages, though its usage and phonemic status
varies.
- In some languages like Hawaiian and Samoan, the glottal stop is a distinct phoneme that
can contrast with other sounds.
- In English, the glottal stop is often used as an allophone of /t/ in certain environments,
like "bu'er" for "butter".
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IPA and Symbols
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This page lets you hear the sounds that the symbols represent, but remember
that it is only a rough guide.
https://www.ipachart.com
This page lets you hear the sounds that the symbols represent, but remember that it is
only a rough guide.
https://www.ipachart.com/
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Before we go through each of these phonemes, it is important to define
1) Vowel: A vowel is a speech sound made without any significant constriction of the flow
of air from the lungs.
I am sure we all know vowel letters Vowel Letters
AEIOU
Their sounds are:
Vowel Sounds in English
ah /ɑː/ (English)
ee /iː/ (English)
oo /uː/ (English)
ar (English, in words like "bath", "sergeant", and "alarm")
ee (English, in words like "police", "me", and "meeting")
oo (English, in words like "who", "shoe", and "move")
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