Understanding Speech Production Mechanisms Speech is a complex system of communication involving sounds, words, and morphemes. The production of speech sounds relies on the coordinated efforts of various organs such as the lips, tongue, and vocal cords. Phonetics studies these mechanisms scientifically; sound production begins with air from the lungs passing through the larynx where vocal cords can vibrate to create voice.
Classification: Vowels vs Consonants Speech sounds are categorized into vowels and consonants based on their articulation. Vowel sounds involve continuous airflow without obstruction or friction while all vowel sounds are voiced. In contrast, consonant production may vary between voiced or voiceless depending on whether there’s vibration in the vocal cords during articulation.