IPA & Language Learning

What Is the IPA?
The International Phonetic Alphabet, or the IPA, is a system of symbols that corresponds to the speech sounds that are used in a variety of spoken languages. The purpose of the IPA is to transcribe a word in one language (e.g., wolf) into a standardized system of pronunciation so that someone who doesn't speak that language can correctly pronounce it. It is often used by linguists, particularly by those that study phonetics.

The IPA is separated into two separate charts: one for consonants and the other for vowels.

Reading the IPA Chart



 * articulation: the production of speech sounds. Speech is produced by pushing air through the vocal cords, and the sounds are altered by manipulating various parts of the throat and mouth.


 * nasalization: nasal sounds are made when the velum, a fleshy membrane structure, is lowered so that air is allowed to flow through the nose.

Articulation Placements of Consonants

 * bilabial: both lips are used to restrict air when producing the p and b sounds.


 * labiodental: used to restrict air when producing f and v sounds.


 * interdental: when the tip of the tongue is place between the teeth to produce certain sounds (certain t sounds).


 * alveolar: the tongue touches the roof of the mouth, or the alveolar ridge, to produce certain sounds (such as d, n, s, z, l, and r sounds)


 * palatal: the front part of the tongue is raised and touches roof of the mouth to produce certain sounds (such as ch and sh sounds).


 * velar: the back part of the tongue is raised and touches roof of the mouth to produce certain sounds (such as k and g sounds).


 * uvular: the back part of the tongue is raised towards the back of the throat, or the uvula, to produce certain sounds (such as r and q sounds).


 * glottal: This placement involves the glottis or where the vocal cords are located. Air can be restricted or stopped completely in this area of the throat. It is associated with the h sound.



Weekly Learning Goals

 * Tueday 5-9-23 to Tuesday 5-16-23 (Beginning from scratch)

General Lexicon

 * Phonemes:ˈfəʊniːmz
 * smallest unit of speech (sound) distinguishing one word (or word element) from another.