Artikulatsioonisüsteem
Artikulatsioonisüsteem is a term used in linguistics to describe the set of organs and processes involved in the production of speech sounds. It encompasses the physical mechanisms that enable humans to articulate different phonemes, which are the smallest units of sound that distinguish one word from another in a language. The primary components of the artikulatsioonisüsteem include the vocal tract, which consists of the mouth, nasal cavity, and pharynx, and the vocal cords, located in the larynx. The vocal tract is responsible for shaping the airflow produced by the vocal cords, while the vocal cords themselves produce the fundamental sound source through vibration. The position and movement of the tongue, lips, jaw, and other articulators within the vocal tract determine the specific characteristics of each phoneme. Additionally, the artikulatsioonisüsteem includes the respiratory system, which supplies the air necessary for speech production. Variations in the artikulatsioonisüsteem can lead to differences in pronunciation and accent among speakers of the same language. Understanding the artikulatsioonisüsteem is crucial for studying phonetics, phonology, and the broader field of linguistics.