Page:An outline of English phonetics ... with 131 illustrations (IA cu31924027389505).pdf/23

Rh 25. It should be noticed here that all speakers use more than one style of pronunciation. A person may pronounce the same word or group of words quite differently under different circumstances; thus ordinary conversation the word and is frequently pronounced n, when unstressed (e. g. in bread and butter ˈbrednˈbʌtə), but in serious recitation the word, even when unstressed, might often be pronounced ænd when rhyming with hand hænd.

26. We may distinguish three principal styles of pronunciation which we may call Styles A, B, and C respectively. The first (Style A) is the pronunciation suitable for serious recitation; the second (Style B) is the pronunciation used in conversation when speaking carefully and not too rapidly; the third (Style C) is the pronunciation used in rapid familiar conversation. Style B is recommended for the use of foreigners and is the style indicated throughout this book, except where the contrary is stated.

27. The first essential for the student of phonetics is to have a clear idea of the structure and functions of the organs of speech. Those who have not already done so should make a thorough examination of the inside of the mouth by means of a hand looking-glass. The best way of doing this is to stand with the back to the light and to hold the looking-glass in such a position that it reflects the light into the mouth and at the same time enables the observer to see in the glass the interior thus illuminated. It is not difficult to find the right position for the glass.

28. Models of the organs of speech will be found useful. Suitable models may be obtained from C. Rammé, Plastische Anstalt, Hamburg. A convenient form of mouth model is that designed by Mr. Bertram Wilson, of Ruskin College, Oxford, in which the tongue is made of a substance which may be moulded into any desired shape. Wall charts of the organs of speech are also useful for class purposes. Such are the author’s “Chart of the Organs of Speech”, published by the Cambridge University Press, and that by Zünd-Burguet, published by Elwert of Marburg, Germany.

29. Figs. 1 and 2 show all that is essential for the present book.

30. A detailed description of the various parts of the organs of speech is not necessary; we would, however, call attention to the following points.