1. Phonetic Alphabets
2. History of Phonetic Alphabets
3. Spelling reformers and phonetic alphabets
4. Phonetic alphabets in language classes for English
5. Definitions
6. Phonetic Symbols
7. References
Table of Contents
- 1. Phonetic Alphabets
- 1.1. Definition and function of phonetic alphabets
- 1.1.1. Types of phonetic alphabets
- 1.1.2. Which criteria should a phonetic alphabet fulfil?
- 1.2. Limits of phonetic alphabets
- 1.3. Problems of alphabetic spelling in English
- 1.3.1. Same spelling, different sound
- 1.3.2. Same sound, different spelling and different meaning
- 1.3.3. One letter represents two sounds
- 1.3.4. Silent letters
- 1.3.5. Missing letters
- 1.4. The English orthography
- 1.4.1. How are the sounds of a language counted?
- 2. History of Phonetic Alphabets
- 2.1. Early Alphabetic Writing and Sound Writing
- 2.2. The first phonetic alphabets 1617-19th century
- 2.3. Middle of the 19th century: The Beginnings of Phonetics
- 2.3.1. Radio Alphabets
- 2.3.2. 1867: From Bell's 'Visible Speech' to Henry Sweet's 'Revised Visible Speech'
- 2.3.3. 1877: From Henry Sweet's 'Revised Visible Speech' to his 'Broad Romic System' to the IPA
- 2.4. The foundation of the IPA 1886
- 2.4.1. The foundation of the IPA
- 2.4.2. Principles regarding the construction of the International Phonetic Alphabet and its use
- 2.4.3. Advantages and Disadvantages of the IPA
- 2.5. 1950/1962: George Bernard Shaw's Proposed English Alphabet
- 2.6. Other modern phonetic alphabets (UNIFON, ...)
- 2.6.1. Other spelling reformers after Shaw. Example Malone (UNIFON)
- 2.6.2. Example for phonetic alphabets for languages without letters: Chinese (Pinyin, syllables and tones)
- 2.6.3. Revised IPA Versions
- 2.6.4. Variants of IPA
- 2.7. Since when do linguists speak of a 'phoneme'?
- 3. Spelling reformers and phonetic alphabets
- 3.1. Spelling Pronunciation
- 3.2. Advantages of a non-synchronisation of spelling and sound
- 4. Phonetic alphabets in language classes for English
- 5. Definitions
- 6. Phonetic Symbols
- 7. References
Objectives and Key Themes
This script aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the history and development of phonetic alphabets, focusing on their function, limitations, and applications, particularly within the context of the English language. It explores the challenges posed by the inconsistencies of English orthography and examines various attempts at spelling reform.
- Definition and function of phonetic alphabets
- Limitations of phonetic alphabets and the inherent complexities of representing speech sounds.
- The historical development of phonetic alphabets, from early writing systems to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).
- The problems of English orthography and the impact on pronunciation.
- Spelling reform efforts and their role in the evolution of phonetic alphabets.
Chapter Summaries
1. Phonetic Alphabets: This chapter establishes the fundamental concepts of phonetic alphabets, defining their purpose as a system of symbols representing speech sounds independent of conventional spelling. It explores various types of phonetic alphabets (alphabetic, non-alphabetic, organic, formula systems) and different transcription methods (phonemic, allophonic, broad, narrow). The chapter also delves into the criteria for an effective phonetic alphabet, emphasizing the need for a one-to-one correspondence between sound and symbol, ease of use, and applicability across languages. The inherent limitations in perfectly capturing the nuanced variations in speech are also discussed.
2. History of Phonetic Alphabets: This chapter traces the historical evolution of phonetic alphabets, beginning with early writing systems and the development of consonant writing. It highlights key milestones such as Bell's "Visible Speech," Henry Sweet's contributions, and the eventual establishment of the IPA in 1886. The chapter further examines various phonetic alphabets proposed throughout history, including George Bernard Shaw's alphabet and more recent systems like UNIFON, as well as revisions and variants of the IPA. The chapter also addresses the emergence of the concept of the phoneme in linguistics.
3. Spelling reformers and phonetic alphabets: This chapter explores the connection between spelling reform movements and the development of phonetic alphabets. It examines the concept of "spelling pronunciation," where the pronunciation of a word is influenced by its spelling, and considers the potential advantages of decoupling spelling and pronunciation. The chapter likely delves into the arguments for and against spelling reform, particularly within the context of the English language, highlighting the historical and practical complexities involved.
Keywords
Phonetic alphabets, International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), English orthography, spelling reform, phonemes, allophones, transcription, speech sounds, pronunciation, history of writing, George Bernard Shaw, UNIFON.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Guide to Phonetic Alphabets
What is the purpose of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of phonetic alphabets, encompassing their history, function, limitations, and applications, particularly within the context of the English language. It explores the challenges of English orthography and examines various spelling reform attempts.
What topics are covered in the text?
The text covers a wide range of topics, including the definition and function of phonetic alphabets, their limitations, the historical development from early writing systems to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the problems of English orthography and its impact on pronunciation, and various spelling reform efforts.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
Key themes include the inherent complexities of representing speech sounds, the historical evolution of phonetic alphabets, the inconsistencies of English spelling and their consequences, and the ongoing debate surrounding spelling reform.
What are the main chapters and their summaries?
Chapter 1: Phonetic Alphabets: This chapter introduces the fundamental concepts of phonetic alphabets, their types, criteria for effectiveness, and limitations. It also explores the complexities of English spelling.
Chapter 2: History of Phonetic Alphabets: This chapter traces the historical evolution of phonetic alphabets, highlighting key milestones and figures such as Bell, Sweet, and Shaw, and the development of the IPA. It discusses various phonetic alphabets and their revisions.
Chapter 3: Spelling Reformers and Phonetic Alphabets: This chapter examines the relationship between spelling reform movements and phonetic alphabets, the concept of "spelling pronunciation," and arguments for and against spelling reform.
Additional chapters cover topics such as phonetic alphabets in English language classes, definitions of key terms, and phonetic symbols.
What is the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)?
The IPA is a system of phonetic notation that is widely used by linguists and others to represent the sounds of spoken language. The text discusses its development, principles, advantages and disadvantages.
What are the problems with English orthography?
English orthography presents numerous challenges because of inconsistencies between spelling and pronunciation. The text details several issues such as variations in sound for the same spelling, variations in spelling for the same sound, and silent letters.
What are some examples of phonetic alphabets besides the IPA?
The text mentions several phonetic alphabets, including Bell's Visible Speech, Henry Sweet's systems, George Bernard Shaw's proposed alphabet, and UNIFON.
What is the significance of George Bernard Shaw's proposed alphabet?
George Bernard Shaw's proposed alphabet is highlighted as a significant example of a modern phonetic alphabet aimed at reforming English spelling. The text likely discusses its design and its impact on the development of other phonetic alphabets.
What is spelling pronunciation?
Spelling pronunciation refers to the pronunciation of a word influenced by its spelling, rather than its historical pronunciation. The text explores how this phenomenon relates to phonetic alphabets and spelling reform.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include: Phonetic alphabets, International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), English orthography, spelling reform, phonemes, allophones, transcription, speech sounds, pronunciation, history of writing, George Bernard Shaw, UNIFON.
- Citation du texte
- Christian Hansmeyer (Auteur), 2002, The History of Phonetic Alphabets, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/9089
