ENG1502
Assignment 2
(EXCEPTIONAL ANSWERS)
Due 13 June 2025
, ENG1502
Assignment 2
Due 13 June 2025
Question 1.1: Places of Articulation
The question prompts the identification of words exemplifying specific places of
articulation (POA), along with detailed explanations of why each is classified
accordingly. POA delineates the precise location within the vocal tract where airflow
constriction occurs to produce distinct speech sounds. This classification is rooted in
articulatory phonetics, with each POA associated with particular anatomical structures
and their interaction during speech production (Ladefoged & Johnson, 2015).
a) Palatal
• Word: _Y_awn
• Explanation: Palatal sounds are articulated when the body (central part) of the
tongue elevates toward the hard palate, the bony roof of the mouth. The /j/ sound
in “yawn” is a palatal approximant or glide, produced by the tongue approaching
but not fully occluding the palate, resulting in a semi-vowel sound that exhibits
both vowel-like and consonantal qualities. The term “palatal” aptly derives from
“palate,” emphasizing the tongue’s contact with this articulatory surface
(Ladefoged & Johnson, 2015).
b) Alveolar
• Word: _D_og
• Explanation: Alveolar consonants are formed when the tongue tip or blade
makes contact with or approximates the alveolar ridge, the ridge just posterior to
the upper front teeth. In “dog,” the /d/ is an alveolar stop, characterized by a brief
contact of the tongue against the alveolar ridge to occlude airflow, which is then
released to produce the sound. The nomenclature “alveolar” directly references
the specific anatomical site involved (Crystal, 2008).
Assignment 2
(EXCEPTIONAL ANSWERS)
Due 13 June 2025
, ENG1502
Assignment 2
Due 13 June 2025
Question 1.1: Places of Articulation
The question prompts the identification of words exemplifying specific places of
articulation (POA), along with detailed explanations of why each is classified
accordingly. POA delineates the precise location within the vocal tract where airflow
constriction occurs to produce distinct speech sounds. This classification is rooted in
articulatory phonetics, with each POA associated with particular anatomical structures
and their interaction during speech production (Ladefoged & Johnson, 2015).
a) Palatal
• Word: _Y_awn
• Explanation: Palatal sounds are articulated when the body (central part) of the
tongue elevates toward the hard palate, the bony roof of the mouth. The /j/ sound
in “yawn” is a palatal approximant or glide, produced by the tongue approaching
but not fully occluding the palate, resulting in a semi-vowel sound that exhibits
both vowel-like and consonantal qualities. The term “palatal” aptly derives from
“palate,” emphasizing the tongue’s contact with this articulatory surface
(Ladefoged & Johnson, 2015).
b) Alveolar
• Word: _D_og
• Explanation: Alveolar consonants are formed when the tongue tip or blade
makes contact with or approximates the alveolar ridge, the ridge just posterior to
the upper front teeth. In “dog,” the /d/ is an alveolar stop, characterized by a brief
contact of the tongue against the alveolar ridge to occlude airflow, which is then
released to produce the sound. The nomenclature “alveolar” directly references
the specific anatomical site involved (Crystal, 2008).
