Why phonetic? Part 1
As speakers of one of the world's richest and second most spoken languages, we're incredibly fortunate. Growing up, English was a fundamental part of our education, and for many of us, it was often the easiest subject. However, it wasn't until I delved into linguistics during college that I truly appreciated the complexities of the English language.
My journey into phonetics was nothing short of revelatory. I recall laughing at the correct pronunciations of words I had misspoken my entire life. It wasn't the stylish or posh accents that amused me, but the realization that I had been mispronouncing words for so long. All my life those words were lies!
As I began teaching language, I prioritized phonetics, and although it was challenging initially, it's been an enriching experience. Unfortunately, linguistics and phonetics remain unfamiliar territories for many highly educated individuals. However, these fields are crucial and captivating.
Linguistics encompasses the study of language and communication, while phonetics focuses on speech sounds. Subfields like phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics offer a deeper understanding of language.
Phonetics, in particular, is an invaluable subject, as speech is the primary medium of human communication. Its significance is undeniable, and exploring this field has been a rewarding experience.
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