Explain The Process Involved In The Production Of Speech

Many people do not consider everything that happens within their body when they produce sounds, as it is an everyday and seemingly simplistic occurrence. However, the production of speech is an extremely complex process that requires extensive work and compliance from various areas within the body. Speech production begins in the brain and finishes when the sounds exit the mouth and are picked up by a receiver. The processes involved in the production of speech are respiration, phonation, articulation and resonance. Generating in the brain, the order of events leading to sound production include nerve impulses, muscle contractions, movements, altered cavity shapes, air pressure changes, and then finally sound. The plan for sound production

The lungs increase and decrease the volume of air through expansion and contraction. Inhalation is the process of bringing air into the lungs. In order for this to occur, the alveolar pressure must be negative to force the air into the respiratory system. Inhalation requires the contraction of the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles to increase the thoracic cavity, creating room for the lungs to expand. The amount of air that an individual inhales is influenced by the intensity or loudness of a particular utterance. Exhalation is the process of letting air out of the respiratory system. In order for this process to occur, alveolar pressure must be more than the atmospheric pressure. During this process the diaphragm relaxes, and returns to its dome shape, which decreases the amount of space in the thoracic cavity as the lungs release air. Breathing for speech is a complex process because appropriate amounts of breath are necessary for the production of various speech sounds. The amount of air exhaled is correlated to the length of time an individual can speak without taking breaks for more air. Exhalation from the lungs acts as the source of power but, the actions that are performed within the upper airways are what transform this air into

It begins with the thought and the brain signals the muscles and organs. The air from the lungs travels up the vocal tract through the vocal folds, making that air an audible noise. The resonant frequencies filter that sound. The size and shape of the spaces in the vocal tract determine the frequencies, which are determined by the positioning of the articulators. These various processes; respiration, phonation, resonation and articulation are very important for the production of speech. Without proper functioning of any of these processes and/or the brain, an individual could experience great difficulty producing speech sounds or be unable to produce any sounds at all. Speech production requires more effort than is visible. It is important for people to consider this process and acknowledge the importance of living a healthy lifestyle to continue to experience proper