Language
Language can loosely be defined as the syntactically
organized system of signals, such as voice sounds, intonation or pitch,
gestures or written symbols that communicate thoughts or feelings.
Human language can be described as a system of symbols
(lexemes with rules) by with the symbols are manipulated. This entails the use
of patterns of sounds or gesture for symbols which enables communication
possible with others around them.
Spoken language requires sufficient knowledge of production
to be an effective communicator.
The primary tool in oral communication – the voice.
The Voice
Voice – production of sounds by exciting the vocal vibrators
and manipulating its output
Speech – combination of sounds to create symbols that would
represent meanings to both speaker and listener.
Elements of voice
– reflection of mood:
Quality, pitch, force or intensity and rate.
Voice Quality
Five common qualities of voice:
1.
Normal – used when the speaker speaks naturally
showing little or no emotion.
2.
Breathy – whispered, known as “aspirated”
3.
Full – used during formal and dignified
occasion, also known as “orotund” (round mouth)
4.
Chesty – deep, hollow voice s if coming from a
deep and empty cave.
5.
Thin – high-itched, also known as “falsetto”
(It. for small voice)
Exercise:
1.
That’s okay. I don’t mind.
2.
Come
closer, I just want to say “I love you.”
3.
Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you the
winner of this competition.
4.
“Abraham, Abraham…offer your son to my altar!”
5.
I really think that is exciting! Hihihi…
Voice Levels
Pitch is another element of voice that shows emotion.
Varying the pitch means going up and down the scale. An angry or excited person
may use high pitch to express their emotion, while a sad or a person in formal
gathering may use low pitch. However, ordinary speaking situation requires
medium pitch.
Exercise:
one- PIKITSY, two- PIKITSY, three- PIKITSY,
four- PIKITSY, five- PIKITSY, six- PITKITSY,
seven- PIKITSY, eight- PIKITSY,
nine- PIKITSY, ten- PIKITSY
Oh MY! OH my! Oh MY! OH my! Oh MY!
OH my!
Voice Intensity
Loudness or intensity refers to the effect of a sound on the
ear – its loudness or softness. The force with which you speak varies in degree
and form. Degree refers to the amount of force applied so in whispering, only a
low degree of force is used; whereas shouting, a high degree of force is
applied.
Exercise:
mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm
zzz,
zzz, zzz, zzz, zzz, zzz, zzz
titiTI,
tiTIti, Tititi, titiTI, tiTIti, Tititi, titiTI
titiTI,
tiTIti, Tititi, titiTI, tiTIti, Tititi,
titiTI
don’t, don’t,
don’t, don’t stop!
oh, oh,
ahhh! oh, oh
staggered counting:
One, one-two, one-two-three…
A:
Shhh…Listen.
B:
No, you listen to me!
C:
I will not listen to you!
D:
You will listen to me!
E:
Just shut up and listen!
Rate of Speech
Speaking is characterized by variations of speed. Slow speech projects such personality
characteristics as calmness, acceptance of others and formality. However, if
the rate is too slow, it may project an image of dullness, listlessness,
apathy, laziness , and sometimes lack of intelligence. Rapid speech projects
animation, enthusiasm, excitement, and informality. This may also mean
nervousness, tension, and anxiety.
Exercise:
• My
mind is my own, my mind is my own
• Money
mole, money mole, money, money
• Faster,
faster, fasteeer !
• Hit
it hard! Hit it hard! Hit it hard!
• I..I
really don’t know.
• It
was dark…and the wind is cold…then I heard a voice – crying, sobbing…but no one
was there…
The Speech Mechanism
Lungs – storage and source of air, responsible for exciting
the vocal mechanism
Diaphragm – creates pressure to enlarge the thoracic cavity
for air suction and expulsion
Esophagus – passage to the stomach
Larynx – also known as the voice box, location of the labia or
cords, stops the passage of food bolus
Pharynx – connects the larynx to the oral cavity
Soft Palate – connects the route from the nasal cavity to
the pharynx.
Epiglottis – also known as the false vocal cords, prevents
the food from reaching the larynx and isolates the esophagus.
Oral Cavity – houses the hard and soft palates, the tongue,
teeth, cheeks and lips; controls the acoustic of the sound production.
Tongue – In speech production, manipulates the phonetic
production
Lips – controls the size and shape of the mouth opening
Classification of Parts
of Speech Mechanism
Motor – respiratory muscles, responsible for air control
Vibrator – vocal bands or cords to produce sound waves
Resonators – modulate sound waves that give resonance
Articulators – give definite shapes and character of sounds
as air passes
