Speech Mechanism (Short notes)

 (e-Content developed by Prof. (Dr) Nitn Jarandikar)

Write short notes:

1.   The phonatory system or LARYNX (स्वरयंत्र)

The human organs which are involved in producing sounds are termed as speech organs. An air that comes out from lungs is the main source of a sound. That air passes through wind pipe (श्वसननलिका), larynx and mouth to produce a sound. All the speech organs are divided into three systems. These systems are as follows:

i.            The respiratory system (रेस्पिरेटरी सिस्टम);

ii.           The phonatory system (फोनेटरी सिस्टम);

iii.         The articulatory system (आर्टिक्यूलेटरी सिस्टम)

The phonatory system comprises of the larynx (लॅरिन्क्स). The larynx is commonly known as the Adam’s apple (अॅडम्स अॅपल). The larynx is situated at the top of the windpipe (विंडपाईप). The air from the lungs has to come out through the windpipe and the larynx.

In the larynx, there is a pair of lip-like structures. These are called the ‘vocal cords’ (व्होकल कॉर्ड्स). There is an opening between the cords. It is called the ‘glottis’ (ग्लॉटीस). The air coming from the lungs passes through this glottis.

2.   The roof of the mouth:

The human organs which are involved in producing sounds are termed as speech organs. An air that comes out from lungs is the main source of a sound. That air passes through wind pipe (श्वसननलिका), larynx and mouth to produce a sound. All the speech organs are divided into three systems. These systems are as follows:

i.            The respiratory system;

ii.           The phonatory system;

iii.         The articulatory system

The roof of the mouth is a part of the articulatory system. The nose, the teeth, the tongue and the lips are the other speech organs related to the articulatory system.

The following are the main parts of the roof of the mouth:

i)            Teeth ridge (टीथ रिज): The hard bony part that lies behind the teeth is known as the teeth ridge.

ii)           Hard palate (हार्ड पॅलेट): The hard concave surface that lies behind the teeth ridge is termed as the hard palate.

iii)         Soft palate (सॉफ्ट पॅलेट): The soft concave surface that lies behind the hard palate is termed as the soft palate.

iv)          Uvula (युव्हूला) (पडजीभ): The fleshy structure hanging loose at the end of the roof of the mouth is termed the uvula.

3.   Active-Passive articulators:

In simple words, articulators mean speech organs. There are many speech organs involved to produce a sound. Air that we breathe out from the lungs is the basis of a sound. Thus, lungs, larynx, tongue, roof of the mouth, nose, lips, etc. are termed as the speech organs or articulators.

While producing a sound, it is not necessary that all the speech organs should work simultaneously. In fact, only few speech organs are actively involved every time to produce a sound. To produce a sound, at least two articulators are needed.

The speech organs which remain active every time are termed as the active articulators. These articulators are necessary to produce any sound. The tongue and the lower lip are termed as the active articulators.

The other articulators do not remain active while producing each and every sound. For example, teeth, upper lip, teeth ridge, hard palate, soft palate, etc. These articulators are termed as the passive articulators.

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