Phonetics is the study of the sounds of human speech. It involves analyzing how sounds are produced, transmitted, and perceived. This field is essential for understanding the physical properties of speech sounds, which are crucial for effective communication. Phonetics encompasses various aspects, including the articulation of sounds, their acoustic properties, and how they are heard by the human ear.
In phonetics, sounds are categorized into different types, such as vowels and consonants. Each sound can be described in terms of its place and manner of articulation. This scientific approach helps linguists and language learners alike to grasp the complexities of spoken language and improve pronunciation.