Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of figures
- List of tables
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- PART I General concepts
- PART II The analytic framework
- PART III Initiation and phonation
- 6 Airstream mechanisms
- 7 Phonation
- PART IV Linear segmental analysis
- PART V Articulatory co-ordination and phonetic settings
- PART VI Temporal, prosodic and metrical analysis
- PART VII Principles of transcription
- PART VIII Conclusion
- Envoi
- Appendix I The phonetic alphabet of the International Phonetic Association
- Appendix II Index of languages
- References
- Index of names
- Subject index
7 - Phonation
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of figures
- List of tables
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- PART I General concepts
- PART II The analytic framework
- PART III Initiation and phonation
- 6 Airstream mechanisms
- 7 Phonation
- PART IV Linear segmental analysis
- PART V Articulatory co-ordination and phonetic settings
- PART VI Temporal, prosodic and metrical analysis
- PART VII Principles of transcription
- PART VIII Conclusion
- Envoi
- Appendix I The phonetic alphabet of the International Phonetic Association
- Appendix II Index of languages
- References
- Index of names
- Subject index
Summary
The purpose of this chapter is to describe the different ways that the larynx can produce sound, in the process called phonation. More precisely, phonation is the use of the laryngeal system, with the help of an airstream provided by the respiratory system, to generate an audible source of acoustic energy which can then be modified by the articulatory actions of the rest of the vocal apparatus.
The primary biological function of the larynx is to control the airway to and from the lungs, in support of the breathing process. It also has a protective function, to prevent food and liquid from invading the delicate pulmonary tissues of the lungs. In order to achieve these respiratory and protective functions, the larynx has evolved into a compact and intricate muscular organism, built around a framework of three chief cartilages. As a by-product of these biological functions of the larynx, humans have developed a versatile secondary capacity to exploit the laryngeal apparatus for making and controlling sound through phonation.
Figures 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 show three views of the larynx. Figure 7.1 is a highly schematized diagram of the cartilaginous frame within which the muscular control of phonation is achieved, showing the relationship between the thyroid, cricoid and arytenoid cartilages. Figure 12 is similarly schematic, and represents the cartilaginous framework together with some of the associated muscles. This view shows parts of the vocal folds, which are the immediately relevant parts of the larynx for this chapter.
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- Information
- Principles of Phonetics , pp. 184 - 202Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 1994