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Workbook 1 · Unit 0 Foundations · 0.1

Introduction to Phonetics

JL

Introduction to Phonetics

This chart is a helpful guide for understanding how to position your tongue and mouth to make different vowel sounds in English. Here’s a simple breakdown: • The chart is divided into rows and columns. The rows (Close, Close-mid, Open-mid, Open) show how high or low your tongue is in your mouth, from close (tongue high) to open (tongue low). • The columns (Front, Central, Back) show where your tongue is placed, from the front to the back of your mouth. • Each box contains a vowel sound (like “i” or “u”) represented by a symbol. These symbols tell you the sound to make. • The curved line shows how your tongue moves for certain sounds, like a glide from one position to another. • To practise: Look at the symbol you want to say, note the row and column, and adjust your tongue height and position accordingly. For example, “i” (close-front) needs a high tongue at the front, while “o” (open-back) needs a low tongue at the back. Try saying the sounds while feeling where your tongue is, and you’ll get the hang of it with practice!

The mouth

• Nasal: The top area represents the nasal cavity, where air can escape through your nose for sounds like “m” or “n.” • Soft Palate: This is the back, soft part of the roof of your mouth. It can lift to block air from going into your nose or lower to let air through. • Hard Palate: The front, hard part of the roof of your mouth, used for sounds where the tongue touches or approaches it, like “y” in “yes.” • Alveolar Ridge (Gum Ridge): The bumpy area just behind your upper front teeth, where your tongue touches for sounds like “t,” “d,” or “s.” • Tongue: The central part of the chart shows your tongue, which moves to different positions to create various sounds. The dotted line suggests how it can shift or glide. • Lip: The bottom part represents your lips, which shape sounds like “p,” “b,” or “w.” To practise, focus on where each part is in your mouth and how your tongue and lips move against them. For example, touch your tongue to the alveolar ridge for a “t” sound, or lower the soft palate for a nasal “n” sound. Feel the positions as you speak to get comfortable with them!

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Introduction to Phonetics

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