This module introduces acoustic phonetics focusing on the structure of sound waves. We focus on how information in sound waves is represented in spectra and spectrograms. We look at how different resonant frequencies affect the structure of sound waves and how this results in different sounds. We relate this to the vocal tract and examine how different articulations alter the volume in which sound waves may occur. We learn how to represent this varying information in the software Praat and conduct small experiments to investigate various phonetic phenomena. We also briefly investigate the relation between acoustics, audition and perception.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course you should have a clear understanding of acoustic phonetics and demonstrate knowledge of the details of sound wave structure and know how different aspects of sound waves such as frequency, speed of sound and wavelength are related. You will be able to read information off spectrograms in order to identify different sounds. You will be able to conduct acoustic speech analysis using Praat and produce documents to display your findings. At the end of the module you will be well equipped for independent phonetic analysis and advanced study.