All articles tagged with #phonetics
A study finds that languages in warmer climates tend to be more sonorous, with more vowels and flowing sounds, possibly due to the physical effects of temperature on air and vocal production, suggesting that climate influences language evolution over centuries.
Scientists and support staff isolated in Antarctica for six months began to develop their own accent, as revealed by an experiment tracking their voices over time. The researchers, representing a diverse mix of nationalities, found subtle changes in their pronunciation, shedding light on how accents and dialects diverge when groups of people become isolated. This phenomenon mirrors the development of new dialects and accents in multicultural cities, and provides insights into the evolution of language.
The New York Times crossword puzzle for October 2, 2023, constructed by Alexandria Mason, features themed entries that all end with a phonetic long "I" sound. The revealer at 49-Across, "Wrap up ... or a phonetic description of 17-, 19-, 25-, 41- and 54-Across," hints at the common sound shared by the entries. The puzzle offers a warm introduction to crossword solving and showcases the varied spellings of the long "I" sound. Tricky clues include wordplay and misdirection, adding an extra layer of challenge.