HUMAN SPEECH APPARATUS

Stages in voice Production

1. Breathing2. Phonation3. Resonation4. Articulation

STAGE 1 – BREATHING

2 PHASES

1. Inhalation Upper part of the chest expands Abdomen moves forward

2. Exhalation Chest and abdomen return to their original positions

2 PRINCIPAL STRUCTURES

1. Lungs – serves as the reservoir of air.2. Diaphragm – a large sheet of muscle separating the chest cavity from the abdomen, forms

the floor of the chest and the roof of the abdomen

ACTIVITIES TO ATTAIN CORRECT BREATHING IN SPEECH

1. Inhale deeply and/or more rapidly.2. Maintain a steady pressure of air as you talk.3. Maintain an adequate breath reserve.

STAGE 2 – PHONATION

Takes place when voice is produced in speaking as the expiratory air stream from the lungs goes up through the trachea or windpipe to the larynx.

2 PRINCIPAL STRUCTURES

1. Larynx – principal organ of phonation; found at the top of the trachea; its protuberance is known as the “Adam’s apple”.

2. Vocal cords – attached to the walls of the larynx; a pair of bundle s of muscles and cartilages, which open and close at various degrees.

In silent breathing, VCs open wide and let air in and out without hindrance.

In whispering, they open partly, let out large amounts of air, and produce only frictional sounds.

In speech, VCs come together under tension and the controlled air pressure from the lungs cause them to vibrate.

STAGE 3 – RESONATION

It is the process of voice amplification and modification.

HUMAN RESONATORS

Upper part of larynx Pharynx

o Common passageway for air and foodo Located behind the nose and mouth and includes the cavity at the back of the

tongueo Soft palate or velum – separates the nasal pharynx from the oral cavity

Nasal cavityo Nose

External – consists of cartilage; with opening called Nostrils Internal (Nasal Cavity) – cavity directly behind the external nose through

which the air passes on its way to the pharynx. Septum – bridge from the nose back through the internal nose;

divides the external and internal nose in two separate passageway Oral cavity

o Mouth – serves as an important resonator as well as the center for the formation of specific speech sounds

STAGE 4 – ARTICULATION

Occurs when the tone produced at the larynx is changed into specific sounds. Result of the movement of the articulators towards the points of articulation.

Articulators

Lower jaw Lower lip Tongue Velum (Soft Palate) Uvula

Points of Articulation

Upper lip Upper teeth Upper alveolar ridge Hard palate Velum