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A shared alphabet for speech sounds

English spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation: 'ough' sounds different in though, through, and rough. The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) provides standardized symbols for representing and comparing speech sounds. Additional marks can show finer detail, so transcription involves choices about how much to record.

3–5 min

Questions you could explore

  • What do the labels voiced, bilabial, and nasal tell us about the sound represented by m?
  • Why can the same spelling represent different pronunciations?

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Language

How much can six braille dots say?

A braille cell has only six positions, but its meaning depends on more than which dots are raised. In Unified English Braille, letters, indicators, and context work together to represent written language.

3–5 min

How much can six braille dots say?

Language3–5 minA braille cell has only six positions, but its meaning depends on more than which dots are raised. In Unified English Braille, letters, indicators, and context work together to represent written language.

Language

ASL has its own grammar

American Sign Language is a complete language with grammar of its own. Hands, facial expression, and body movement contribute to meaning, so describing it as English transferred into gestures misses how it works.

3–5 min

ASL has its own grammar

Language3–5 minAmerican Sign Language is a complete language with grammar of its own. Hands, facial expression, and body movement contribute to meaning, so describing it as English transferred into gestures misses how it works.

Language

Who decides when a new word belongs in a dictionary?

A new expression can attract attention before there is enough evidence to include it in a dictionary. Cambridge's New Words posts and Merriam-Webster's account of editorial selection show different stages of observing language in use.

3–5 min

Who decides when a new word belongs in a dictionary?

Language3–5 minA new expression can attract attention before there is enough evidence to include it in a dictionary. Cambridge's New Words posts and Merriam-Webster's account of editorial selection show different stages of observing language in use.

A shared alphabet for speech sounds | Speech Topic | speaking.app