Phonetics and Phonology

What are phonemes?

• Musical notes in a language

• Distinctive units of sound in a language

• Types of punctuation marks

• Written symbols in a language

Answer explanation

Phonemes are distinctive units of sound in a language, not musical notes, punctuation marks, or written symbols.

What is phonetics?

• The study of how we produce and perceive speech sounds

• The study of historical languages

• The study of body language

• The study of written language

Answer explanation

Phonetics is the study of how we produce and perceive speech sounds, making it the correct choice.

Which vocal organ houses the vocal cords?

• Lungs

• Larynx

• Pharynx

• Trachea

Answer explanation

The vocal organ that houses the vocal cords is the larynx, making it the correct choice in this question.

What is the main chamber where the tongue, teeth, and lips shape the sound?

• Nasal Cavity

• Pharynx

• Oral Cavity

• Larynx

Answer explanation

The main chamber where the tongue, teeth, and lips shape the sound is the Oral Cavity.

What is the function of the trachea?

• Connects the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx

• Houses the vocal cords

• Carries air from the lungs to the larynx

• Provides air pressure to push sound through the vocal tract

Answer explanation

The trachea carries air from the lungs to the larynx, allowing for the passage of oxygen and carbon dioxide during respiration.

What is the purpose of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)?

• To represent all the sounds used in human languages

• To represent mathematical equations

• To represent musical notes

• To represent historical events

Answer explanation

The purpose of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is to represent all the sounds used in human languages, making it easier to transcribe and study pronunciation across different languages.

What is the difference between phonetics and phonology?

• Phonetics focuses on how sounds are made, while phonology studies speech sounds

• Phonetics studies punctuation marks, while phonology studies musical instruments

• Phonetics studies historical languages, while phonology studies musical notes

• Phonetics studies written language, while phonology studies body language

Answer explanation

Phonetics focuses on how sounds are made, while phonology studies speech sounds

What are stops in speech sounds?

• Slight obstruction creating a brief friction sound

• Airflow blocked in the oral cavity but escapes through the nasal cavity

• Airflow partially blocked creating friction

• Complete closure of the airflow followed by a release

Answer explanation

Stops in speech sounds involve complete closure of the airflow followed by a release, distinguishing them from other types of sounds.

What is the manner of articulation for fricatives?

• Slight obstruction creating a brief friction sound

• Airflow blocked in the oral cavity but escapes through the nasal cavity

• Complete closure of the airflow followed by a release

• Airflow partially blocked creating friction

Answer explanation

Fricatives involve airflow partially blocked creating friction, which is the manner of articulation for this type of sound.

What is the voicing characteristic of voiced sounds?

• Vocal cords vibrate, producing a buzzing or resonant quality

• Vocal cords do not vibrate, producing a sharper sound

• Vocal cords are not involved in the sound production

• Vocal cords produce a musical tone

Answer explanation

Voiced sounds have the characteristic of vocal cords vibrating, producing a buzzing or resonant quality, which distinguishes them from voiceless sounds.