Articulation

Articulation (from Latin articulo - to dismember, to pronounce clearly) is the formation of speech sounds by changing the position and functioning of the speech organs.

Articulatory movements create various obstacles in the path of exhaled air, which leads to the formation of speech sounds. The main articulatory organs are: lips, teeth, tongue, soft palate, larynx. By changing the position of these organs, a person can pronounce a variety of sounds and sound combinations.

So, when pronouncing vowel sounds, the oral cavity is open and the air stream passes freely through it. When pronouncing consonants, barriers are formed, which causes friction noise of exhaled air.

Articulation is an important stage of speech formation, without which articulate pronunciation of sounds and syllables is impossible. Correct articulation is necessary for normal speech development.