A branch of phonetics that studies the physical mechanisms and processes involved in producing speech sounds through the movements and configurations of vocal organs.

Articulatory Phonetics

Articulatory phonetics examines the physiological aspects of speech sound production, focusing on how the vocal tract and its components work together to create distinct speech sounds.

Fundamental Concepts

Places of Articulation

The key locations where speech sounds are formed:

Lips for bilabial and labiodental sounds
Teeth and alveolar ridge for dental and alveolar sounds
Hard palate for palatal sounds
Soft palate for velar sounds
Glottis for glottal sounds

Articulators

The movable organs that shape the vocal tract:

Tongue (primary articulator)
- Tip (apex)
- Body (dorsum)
- Root (radix)
Lower lip
Soft palate (velum)
Uvula
Pharynx

Manner of Articulation

Different ways articulators interact to produce sounds:

Stops/Plosives

Complete closure of vocal tract
Air pressure buildup and release
Examples: [p], [b], [t], [d]

Fricatives

Narrow constriction creating turbulent airflow
Turbulence generates characteristic noise
Examples: [f], [s], [ʃ]

Approximants

Close approach without turbulence
Resonance shapes sound quality
Examples: [w], [j], [l]

Features and Classifications

Distinctive Features

Sound Categories

Research Methods

Instrumental Techniques

Documentation

Applications

Clinical Applications

Educational Applications

Current Research Directions

Dynamic Articulation

Cross-linguistic Studies

Technology Integration

Articulatory phonetics provides the foundation for understanding speech production mechanisms and informs various applications in speech science, technology, and clinical practice. Its insights continue to evolve through advanced research methods and cross-disciplinary investigations.