How are sounds produced in human speech?

Sounds in human speech are produced through a complex process involving the coordination of various speech organs. The production of sounds can be divided into three main stages: initiation, phonation, and articulation.

The initiation stage involves the respiratory system, specifically the lungs. Air is expelled from the lungs and passes through the trachea, or windpipe, towards the vocal folds located in the larynx.

During the phonation stage, the vocal folds vibrate as the air passes through them. This vibration produces a buzzing sound known as the voice source. The pitch and loudness of the voice source can be controlled by adjusting the tension and position of the vocal folds.

The final stage, articulation, involves the manipulation of the airflow by the articulatory organs, including the lips, tongue, teeth, and palate. These organs shape the sound produced by modifying the airflow in various ways. For example, the position of the tongue can create different vowel sounds, while the contact between the tongue and the teeth or palate can produce consonant sounds.

Overall, the production of sounds in human speech is a coordinated effort involving the respiratory system, vocal folds, and articulatory organs. This process allows for the creation of a wide range of sounds that form the basis of language.