Dictionaries use the IPA.
The International Phonetic Alphabet, or IPA, was created by linguists to transcribe every sound in human language. Each sound is designated based on two classifications: how it is pronounced and where it is pronounced from in the mouth or throat. The IPA was created by the International Phonetic Association, which was formed by English and French linguists in 1886. It gives linguists from around the world a common code for discussing languages. Most of the current alphabet is based on the version established at the 1989 Kiel Convention. The association made more changes in 1996.
Instructions
1. Learn the difference between "velar" and "frictave," terms you'll need to be familiar with to understand the IPA. "Velar" refers to the place of articulation, or where in your mouth or throat the sound comes from. "Frictave" refers to the way the sound is pronounced.
2. Study how the International Phonetic Alphabet chart is organized. Consonant sounds are organized according to how they're pronounced. Consonants with the same place of articulation in the mouth or throat are in the same column. Consonants with the same manner of articulation are in the same row. Vowels are more difficult to pronounce because some of them sound similar and flow into each other. The IPA chart shows "roundedness" when pronouncing vowels; that is, how round your lips should be when saying these sounds.
3. Learn a new language and use the International Phonetic Alphabet to understand pronounce unfamiliar sounds. The IPA is not solely intended for or used by experts in the field. The IPA is helpful when learning a language that is difficult to write, such as Chinese. You can learn the sounds first and then go on to the more difficult aspects.
4. Type a document on your computer using the IPA. Use Unicode to display IPA symbols. Unicode assigns a number to each IPA symbol. Find Unicode at unicode.org. You also can install a Unicode font on your computer, such as Lucida Sans Unicode or Arial Unicode MS.
Tags: International Phonetic, International Phonetic Alphabet, mouth throat, Phonetic Alphabet, Consonants with, Consonants with same