articolazione

Articolazione is an Italian term that denotes articulation or joint in different domains. It can refer to a physical joint in the body, the production of speech sounds in linguistics, or the manner in which notes are connected or separated in music. The common thread is the idea of connecting parts to enable function or expression.

In anatomy, an articulation (articolazione) is the point where two or more bones meet and allow movement or stability. Joints are surrounded by a capsule and ligaments and may include cartilage and synovial fluid. They are commonly classified by function into diarthroses (freely movable), amphiarthroses (slightly movable), and synarthroses (immobile). Structural classifications include fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial joints. Examples include the knee, elbow, hip, and shoulder, each with specific articular surfaces, ligaments, and musculature that contribute to stability and range of motion.

In linguistics, articulation refers to the production of speech sounds through the movement and configuration of the vocal tract. It involves articulators such as the lips, tongue, teeth, palate, velum, and glottis. Sounds are described by place of articulation (e.g., bilabial, dental, alveolar, palatal, velar, glottal) and manner of articulation (e.g., plosive, fricative, nasal, approximant), as well as voicing. Articulation can be influenced by coarticulation and phonological context, affecting how sounds are perceived.

In music, articulation describes how notes are executed and connected in performance, shaping phrasing and expression. Common articulations include legato (smooth and connected), staccato (short and detached), tenuto (held for full value), and marcato (emphasized). Articulation marks guide performers and influence the character of a musical phrase.