Language and Learning

The readings this week made very clear just how complicated the human process of speech and comprehension is. Between Gussenhoven’s explanations of the basic mechanics and phonology of language, and Kenstowicz specific exploration of comprehension in native language, it is made abundantly clear just how complicated the production of words and sounds is, and shows how comprehension goes beyond simply hearing and writing.

The information in the articles is very obviously tied. Both discuss the basics and complications of phonology, with Guessenhoven explaining in general how speech is produced, from different pieces of consonants like fricatives and aspiration, to the placement and shape of vowels. Kenstowicz focuses more specifically on phonemes and the sound of the letter t and its variation, as well as comprehension for native and language learners when it comes to words that sound almost identical but can be distinguished by native speakers but not those who have learned the language who have no phonetic training.

As a Canadian, I found the Kenstowicz article particularly interesting. It expanded my understanding of the written word is not a simple guide to how words are said. We are known for saying about as ‘aboot’, among various other differences – these are things I would never notice, but many have since I have been here. It has made me realized how ineffective words are at truly expressing sounds, something reinforced by Kenstowicz’s discussion of the variations of the allophones created by the letter t.

It amazes me just how complicated speech is given how we learn it as children who really don’t understand how it works or why. Both of these articles in conjunction with each other made me think much more deeply about the complicated nature of language and how we learn it, both as children, and later on.