Phonetics and Phonology

Phonetics v.s. Phonology?

Both of them describes speech sounds or signs (phones).

Phonetics

Concrete

Phonetics provides how actually phones are.

Form

Phonetics is concerned with articulation, perception and physical properties.

Phonology

Abstract

Phonology provides the minimal regularities. It is similar to grammar.

Function

Phonology is concerned with phones’ representations and systematic behavior.

Allophones v.s. Phonemes

A pair of phonemes are completely distinct (i.e. they can form a minimal pair). On the other hand, allophones may be representations for one phoneme.

English Transcription and Intonation

Uses IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet)

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