Organs of Speech | An Introduction to the Organs | Speech Mechanism | Phonetics | HSA PSC Exam

Summary

This video from Ames English Hub explores the mechanisms involved in speech production, focusing on respiration, phonation, and articulation. It explains how the respiratory system powers speech by producing air from the lungs, while the vocal cords in the larynx create voiced and voiceless sounds. Viewers learn about the roles of the lips, teeth, tongue, and other articulators, as well as the difference between oral and nasal sounds. The video also touches on how vocal vibrations form speech and singing, with links to further resources for more detailed understanding.

Takeaways

• 😀 The production of speech involves three central mechanisms: respiration, phonation, and articulation.
• 🫁 Respiration involves the lungs, chest muscles, and windpipe, providing the airstream necessary for speech.
• 😯 Speaking changes the normal breathing pattern, with inhalation being quick and exhalation slower to produce sounds.
• 🗣️ The larynx, or Adam's apple, plays a crucial role in modifying exhaled air as it passes through the vocal cords.
• 🔊 Vocal cords can move close together or wide apart, producing voiced (vibration) and voiceless (non-vibration) sounds.
• 🎤 All vowel sounds in English and most consonants are voiced due to vocal cord vibration.
• 🎶 The arytenoid cartilage influences the unique voice of each person, affecting the ability to sing or speak.
• 👅 The articulatory system involves organs like the lips, teeth, and tongue for shaping different sounds.
• 🧠 Active articulators (e.g., lower lip, tongue) and passive articulators (e.g., upper lip, teeth) work together in speech production.
• 👃 The soft palate controls airflow to either the mouth (oral sounds) or the nose (nasal sounds), completing the sound production process.

Q & A

What are the three central mechanisms responsible for speech production?

The three central mechanisms responsible for speech production are respiration, phonation, and articulation.

What role does the respiratory system play in speech production?

The respiratory system, which includes the lungs, chest muscles, and windpipe, provides the airstream needed for speech. It powers the production of sound by supplying energy in the form of air from the lungs, also known as pulmonic air.

How does the breathing pattern change during speech?

During speech, inhalation is quick, but exhalation is much slower. This allows for controlled air release to produce sounds, unlike normal breathing where both inhalation and exhalation happen every two or three seconds.

What is the function of the vocal cords in speech production?

The vocal cords, located in the larynx, vibrate to produce voiced sounds when they are close together. When they are wide apart, voiceless sounds are produced. They are essential for creating the vibrations that become our voice.

What is the difference between voiced and voiceless sounds?

Voiced sounds occur when the vocal cords vibrate, while voiceless sounds occur when the vocal cords are held wide apart, allowing air to pass through without vibration.

What role does the arytenoid cartilage play in speech?

The arytenoid cartilage is responsible for giving each individual their unique voice. Differences in its length affect how we sound, which is why singers like Shreya Ghosal have different voice qualities compared to others.

What is the function of the epiglottis in speech and swallowing?

The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap that covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing, preventing food from entering the windpipe. In speech, it plays a secondary role by guiding air through the vocal cords.

What are active and passive articulators in speech production?

Active articulators are parts of the mouth that move during speech, such as the lower lip and tongue. Passive articulators, like the upper lip, teeth, and roof of the mouth, remain stationary and provide surfaces for the active articulators to work against.

How are oral and nasal sounds produced?

Oral sounds are produced when the soft palate is raised, blocking the nasal passage so air escapes through the mouth. Nasal sounds occur when the soft palate is lowered, blocking the mouth passage and allowing air to escape through the nose.

What is the primary function of the uvula in speech?

The uvula helps in producing certain consonant sounds, especially in languages like Arabic and French. It also secretes saliva to keep the mouth lubricated during speech.