Organs of Speech

Introduction 

organs of speech are the parts of the human body that help produce speech sounds. They work with the air we breathe out and shape it into meaningful sounds. These organs are also called articulators, and their study is known as Articulatory Phonetics.

Main Organs of Speech and their fuction.

1. Lips

Open, close, or press together to make sounds like p, b, m, f, v.

2.Teeth

Work with tongue and lips for sounds like t, d, f, v, θ.

3.Tongue

 The main organ; divided into tip, blade, front, back, and root. It touches other parts to make many sounds (t, d, k, g, n).

4. Alveolar Ridge 

Just behind upper teeth; tongue touches it for t, d, s, n, l.

5. Hard Palate 

The bony roof of the mouth; tongue touches it for j (as in yes).

6. Soft Palate (Velum)

Controls air through nose or mouth; used for k, g, ŋ (as in king).

7. Uvula

Stops air from going through the nose during speech.

8. Nasal Cavity

Passage for air through the nose; makes nasal sounds like m, n, ŋ.

9. Oral Cavity 

The mouth space where most sounds are shaped.

10. Pharynx 

Tube above the larynx; helps in voice quality and resonance.

11. Epiglottis 

A flap that guides air and protects the windpipe when swallowing.

12. Larynx (Voice Box) 

Produces the voice.

13. Vocal Folds 

Vibrate to make voiced sounds (b, z, d) or stay open for voiceless sounds (p, s, f).

14. Glottis 

The space between the vocal folds; important for h sound.

15. Nostrils 

Let air pass out through the nose for nasal sounds.

Classroom Interaction

In a classroom, there are always two main sides – the teacher and the students. Both can talk, ask questions, give answers, or sometimes remain silent. Ned Flanders studied this interaction and created a system called Flanders’ Interaction Analysis.

He explained that during teaching there are two main situations:

1. Silence : When no one is speaking.

2. Interaction : When either the teacher or the students are speaking.

The Interaction is further divided into: 

Teacher's Interaction:

Teacher interaction is the biggest part of classroom communication. It is divided into two types: indirect influence and direct influence 

• Indirect influence

1. Accepting Feelings – The teacher understands and accepts students’ emotions.

This creates trust and makes students feel comfortable.

2. Praising or Encouraging – The teacher motivates students with kind words for ideas, answers and efforts.

Example:

The teacher makes sure that praise is genuine and not hurting others.

3. Accepting student's ideas–The teacher values students’ opinions and uses them in teaching.

Example–

This behavior shows that the teacher respects student thinking and helps students to think independently.

4. Asking Questions–The teacher asks questions to involve students in the lesson.

Example: 

By asking questions, the teacher pulls students into the subject and keeps them active.

• Direct Influence

Direct influence means the teacher is controlling, instructing, or correcting.

5.Lecturing–The teacher explains facts or concepts.

Example:

the teacher expects students to act according to instructions. 

6. Giving Directions–The teacher gives instructions to students.

Example: 

the teacher expects students to act according to instructions. 

7. Criticizing or Showing Authority–The teacher points out mistakes, scolds, or enforces discipline.

Example: 

The aim is not to insult but to bring students on the right path. 

Student's Interaction:

8. Student Response–Students answer the teacher’s questions.

Example:

Here, students are reacting to teacher talk. It shows that they are listening and trying to understand.

9. Student Initiation–When students speak without waiting for the teacher’s question.

Example : 

This shows independence, confidence, and curiosity.

10. Silence or pause –When no one is speaking in class. 

Example: 

It may be thoughtful silence (students are thinking about the answer) or confused silence (nobody knows what to say).