The Geography of Sound: Articulators

The Geography of Sound: Exploring Articulators Above the Larynx

A Deep Dive into the Vocal Tract (Based on Peter Roach)

When we speak, we are essentially sculpting air. The air begins as a raw stream from the lungs, is buzzed by the larynx, and is finally shaped into recognizable words by the Articulators.

In English Phonetics and Phonology, Peter Roach emphasizes that we cannot understand sounds without understanding the machinery that makes them. Today, we are looking specifically at the Vocal Tract—the complex system of cavities above the larynx.

The Two Types of Articulators

To understand the diagram, we must first distinguish between the two players in this game:

Active Articulators: These do the moving. The Tongue and the Lips are the primary active articulators.
Passive Articulators: These do not move. They act as the stationary targets. The Teeth, Alveolar Ridge, and Hard Palate are passive.

Example: To make the sound /t/, your active tongue tip reaches up to touch the passive alveolar ridge.

The 7 Key Zones of Articulation

Use the interactive diagram on the right to follow along and click/hover on each part to see its specific phonetic role.

1. The Lips (Bilabial & Labiodental)

The exit door. They can be pressed together (for /p/, /b/), or the bottom lip can meet the upper teeth (for /f/, /v/).

2. The Teeth (Dental)

Passive walls. For the sounds /θ/ (think) and /ð/ (this), the active tongue tip must protrude or interact directly with the upper front teeth.

3. The Alveolar Ridge (Alveolar)

The rough ridge behind your top teeth. It is the busiest spot, being the target for /t/, /d/, /s/, /z/, /n/, and /l/.

4. The Hard Palate (Palatal)

The bony 'roof' of the mouth. It is a passive articulator. When the front of the tongue targets this area, we get the palatal sound /j/ (as in yellow).

5. The Velum / Soft Palate (Velar)

The soft tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth. This muscular valve controls airflow: Raised (oral sounds like /k/) or Lowered (nasal sounds like /ŋ/).

6. The Tongue

The most flexible and critical active articulator. Roach divides it into Tip, Blade, Front (under the Hard Palate), and Back (under the Velum) for precise description.

7. The Pharynx

The throat tube. While not used for contact consonants in English, changing its volume by moving the tongue root is how we modify vowel quality.

Interactive Vocal Tract Diagram

Click or hover over any colored area for details.

Click or hover on the articulators in the diagram to learn about their specific roles in speech production (e.g., Active vs. Passive, Phonemes produced).

We’ve all been there. You land in a new country, tired but excited. You stand at the baggage claim, watching the bags go round and round. You see a red one... nope, not yours. You see a blue one... nope, that belongs to the guy in the cowboy hat.

Suddenly, the belt stops moving. The "Baggage Completed" sign lights up. And your suitcase is nowhere to be seen. 😱

Panic sets in.

But don’t freeze up! Instead of worrying, use this guide to handle the situation calmly and clearly like a true Globetrotter. Here is your script for the "Lost & Found" desk.

Step 1: The Initial Approach (Don't Panic!)

Walk straight to the airline service desk or the "Lost and Found" office in the baggage hall. Take a deep breath. You don't need to be angry to be taken seriously; being polite and clear works best.

Use these phrases to start the conversation:

"Excuse me, my luggage never arrived on the carousel."
"I believe my bag is missing. Could you help me?"
"I was on flight [Number] from [City], and my suitcase hasn't shown up."

⚠️ Grammar Note: We usually say our luggage is missing or delayed rather than "lost" right away. "Lost" sounds permanent!

Step 2: Describe Your Bag Like a Pro

The staff will ask you: "What does your bag look like?"

Saying "It’s big and black" isn't helpful—half the bags on the plane are big and black! Use these specific words to paint a picture:

Key Vocabulary:

Hard-shell: A suitcase with a hard plastic exterior (doesn't squish).
Soft-shell / Fabric: A suitcase made of cloth material.
Duffel bag: A cylindrical bag, usually with a shoulder strap (often used for gym or sports).
Carry-on: A small suitcase (usually 20-22 inches).
Handles: The parts you grab. (Top handle, side handle, retractable handle).
Wheels: Does it have 2 wheels (rollers) or 4 wheels (spinners)?
Identifying tags: "It has a red ribbon tied to the handle" or "It has a sticker of the Eiffel Tower."

Example Script:

"It is a large, hard-shell Samsonite suitcase. It is navy blue with 4 wheels. It has a identifying tag with a picture of a cat on the handle."

Step 3: The Paperwork (The Process)

Once you describe the bag, you will need to fill out a report. This is the most important part! Make sure you understand these terms:

Claim Check / Baggage Tag: The sticker the airline gave you when you checked in (usually stuck to the back of your boarding pass). Do not lose this!
Layover: The stop you made in another city before arriving here. (Bags often get stuck here.)
Tracking Number: The reference code they give you to check the status online (e.g., "File Reference: JFK12345").
Delivery Address: Where you want them to send the bag when they find it (your hotel or apartment).

Questions to ask the staff:

"Is there a tracking number so I can check the status online?"
"Will you deliver the bag to my hotel when it arrives?"
"Is there a daily allowance for emergency expenses?" (Some airlines will give you money to buy toothpaste and socks!)

🦉 Professor Polly’s Top Tip

"Take a photo of your luggage on your phone before you check it in!
When the staff asks what it looks like, you can just show them the picture. It makes describing it 100x easier and avoids confusion about colors or brands. Snap a pic of the contents too—just in case!"

Your Turn, Globetrotters! 🌎

Let’s hope you never have to use these phrases, but it’s better to be prepared!

Tell me in the comments:

What is the one thing you always pack in your carry-on bag, just in case your main luggage gets lost? (For me, it’s definitely a spare pair of socks!) 👇

Lingo Lab

Pages

The Mechanics of Speech: A Guide to Articulators Above the Larynx