Explain the articulators above the larynx with examples

An articulator is any movable part of the vocal tract that is involved in the production of speech sounds. These include the lips, teeth, tongue, velum, pharynx, and other structures in the mouth and throat. Each articulator can be moved in various ways to shape the airflow from the lungs into different configurations, resulting in the production of different speech sounds. The precise movements of the articulators can vary depending on the language being spoken and the specific sounds being produced. Understanding the role of the articulators in speech production is an important part of the study of phonetics and phonology.

Scholarly definition of Articulators

For example, according to Peter Ladefoged, a renowned phonetician, an articulator is “any part of the vocal tract that can be moved to modify the air stream that passes through it to produce speech sounds” (A Course in Phonetics, 2014).

Similarly, in An Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology, John Goldsmith defines an articulator as “any part of the body that is involved in the shaping of the vocal tract to produce speech sounds, including the lips, tongue, jaw, teeth, palate, and pharynx.”

In The Sounds of Language, Henry Rogers defines articulators as “the parts of the body that shape the vocal tract to produce the sounds of speech, including the lips, tongue, teeth, alveolar ridge, hard palate, soft palate, uvula, and pharynx.” .”

In conclusion, scholars define articulators as the movable parts of the vocal tract that are involved in shaping the airflow to produce speech sounds.

Types of Articulators above the larynx

The articulators above the larynx are the parts of the vocal tract that are involved in shaping the sounds of speech. They include the lips, teeth, alveolar ridge, hard palate, soft palate (or velum), uvula, pharynx, and tongue.

Here is a breakdown of each articulator and its role in speech production:

Lips:
The lips are used to create consonant sounds such as /p/, /b/, /m/, /f/, and /v/. They also play a role in shaping vowel sounds.

Teeth:
The teeth are used in the production of dental consonants such as /t/, /d/, /s/, and /z/.

Alveolar ridge: The alveolar ridge is a bony ridge behind the upper front teeth that are used in the production of alveolar consonants such as /t/, /d/, /n/, /s/, and /z/.

Hard palate: The hard palate is the bony part of the roof of the mouth and is involved in the production of palatal consonants such as /j/ (as in “yellow”) and /ʃ/ (as in “ship”).

Soft palate or velum: The soft palate, also known as the velum, is a muscular flap at the back of the mouth that is involved in the production of velar consonants such as /k/, /g/, and /ŋ/ (as in “sing”). It also plays a role in the production of nasal sounds.

Uvula:
The uvula is a small, cone-shaped structure that hangs down from the back of the soft palate. It plays a role in the production of certain sounds, such as the French “r” sound.

Pharynx:
The pharynx is the space at the back of the mouth and is involved in the production of some vowel and consonant sounds.

Tongue:
The tongue is the most important articulator in speech production and is involved in the production of almost all speech sounds. It is used to shape the vocal tract and create different sounds of speech.

The Importance of Articulators in production of speech sound

The articulators play a crucial role in the production of speech sounds. The precise movements of the articulators determine the shape of the vocal tract, which in turn determines the resonance properties of the vocal tract and the resulting sound that is produced. Here are some specific ways in which the articulators are important in sound production:

Different articulators can be used to produce different speech sounds: By manipulating the position and movement of the lips, teeth, tongue, and other articulators, we can produce a wide range of speech sounds. For example, the lips can be used to produce the bilabial consonants /p/, /b/, and /m/, while the tongue can be used to produce the alveolar consonants /t/, /d/, and /n/, among others.

Articulator movements affect the resonance properties of the vocal tract: The size and shape of the vocal tract determine the resonance properties of the vocal tract, which in turn affect the sound that is produced. By changing the position of the tongue or the shape of the lips, we can alter the resonance properties of the vocal tract and produce different sounds.

Articulator movements can distinguish between different phonemes: In many languages, small differences in the position or movement of the articulators can distinguish between different phonemes (distinctive sounds) and change the meaning of a word. For example, in English, the difference between /p/ and /b/ is the voiceless/voiced distinction, which is produced by manipulating the position of the vocal cords while using the same lip and tongue positions.

In summary, the articulators are essential for producing the sounds of speech and for distinguishing between different phonemes in a language. Understanding the role of the articulators in speech production is essential for the study of phonetics and phonology.

 

The following table provides an overview of the articulators and their roles in speech production:

Articulator	Role in Speech Production
Lips	Produce bilabial consonants, such as /p/, /b/, and /m/
Teeth	Produce dental consonants, such as /θ/ and /ð/
Tongue	Produces a wide range of consonants and vowels by changing their position and shape within the mouth
Velum (soft palate)	Controls the nasal cavity and helps produce nasal sounds, such as /m/, /n/, and /ŋ/
Pharynx	Changes the resonant characteristics of the vocal tract and can affect the quality of certain sounds
Vocal cords	Vibrate to produce voiced sounds, such as vowels and some consonants
Larynx	Controls the production of voice and pitch

 

In speech production, the articulators work together in a coordinated manner to produce different speech sounds. For example, to produce the sound /t/, the tongue is positioned against the alveolar ridge behind the upper teeth, and the air is briefly stopped before being released with a burst of air. To produce the sound /s/, the tongue is raised to the hard palate, creating a narrow opening through which the air is forced to produce a hissing sound.

In conclusion, the articulators are essential for producing the sounds of speech and are involved in a complex system of movements and interactions that allow us to communicate through language.

Sources:

Ladefoged, Peter. A Course in Phonetics. Cengage Learning, 2014.

Fromkin, Victoria, et al. An Introduction to Language. Cengage Learning, 2013.

Crystal, David. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language. Cambridge University Press, 2010.

O’Grady, William, et al. Contemporary Linguistics: An Introduction. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2015.