Places of Articulation

Question 1

What are the major organs of speech (and places of articulation)?

Answer 1

1. Upper and Lower Lip
2. Upper and Lower Teeth
3. Tongue (tip, back, etc.)
4. Hard Palate
5. Soft Palate (velum)
6. Alveolar Ridge
7. Post-Alveolar
8. Larynx (voice box)

Question 2

What are the important vocal cord positions?

Answer 2

1. Thick or thin
2. Close or far apart
3. Vibrating slowly or rapidly

Question 3

What is the space in between the vocal cords/folds?

Answer 3

The glottis

Question 4

What are the organs of speech in the subglottal system?

Answer 4

Lungs, diaphragm and trachea

Question 5

What is the distinction between voiced or voiceless sounds?

Answer 5

Voiced sounds vibrate as they engage the vocal cords. Voiceless sounds do not vibrate, and instead rely on aspiration.

Question 6

What happens physically in a voiceless sound?

Answer 6

Airflow passes unhindered through open, abducted vocal cords.

Question 7

What happens physically in a voiced sound?

Answer 7

Air ‘bubbles’ through the loosely closed vocal cords as the vocal folds vibrate.