Organs of Speech – JSS1 English Lesson Note (First Term)

The organs of speech are parts of the human body which are used for speech production. The lung serves as the powerhouse from which air flows. When we speak, we breathe normally, and as the stream of air flows out from the lungs through the narrow space of the wind-pipe, some sounds are produced.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• state what the organs of speech are;
• list the organs of speech;
• explain what happens to the vocal cords when voiced sounds are produced;
• explain what happens to the vocal cords when voiceless sounds are produced.

What are the organs of speech?

We produce different speech sounds with the help of these organs as the airstream flows from the lungs:

• the vocal cords
• the velum
• the hard palate
• the alveolar ridge
• the teeth
• the lips
• the tongue

As the airstream flows from the lungs during the production of speech sounds, a special organ called the larynx modifies the sounds.

How do the vocal cords produce voiced and voiceless sounds?

Voiced sounds

When the vocal cords are placed edge to edge, the glottis becomes narrow. When the airstream flows, the vocal cords vibrate and voiced sounds are produced.

Voiceless sounds

When the vocal cords are drawn apart, the airstream flows easily. The vocal cords do not vibrate, so voiceless sounds are produced.

Vowels and consonants

All the vowels of English are voiced. A consonant sound may be voiced or voiceless.

Evaluation

1. List all the organs of speech.
2. What happens when the vocal cords are placed edge to edge during the production of a sound?
3. What happens when the vocal cords are drawn apart?

Assignment

Read about the organs of speech.

Reference: Oral English for Schools and Colleges. Pages 1, 2 and 3.