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Why can two speech sounds count as one in another language?

A small puff of air can have different jobs in different languages. In the English examples in MIT’s notes, aspiration varies with a consonant’s position; in Hindi, an aspiration contrast can distinguish words. Counting a language’s sound categories therefore involves more than listing every sound a mouth can produce.

3–7 min

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  • What is the difference between noticing a sound difference and using it to distinguish words?

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Language

How much can six braille dots say?

A braille cell has only six positions, but its meaning depends on more than which dots are raised. In Unified English Braille, letters, indicators, and context work together to represent written language.

3–5 min

How much can six braille dots say?

Language3–5 minA braille cell has only six positions, but its meaning depends on more than which dots are raised. In Unified English Braille, letters, indicators, and context work together to represent written language.

Language

ASL has its own grammar

American Sign Language is a complete language with grammar of its own. Hands, facial expression, and body movement contribute to meaning, so describing it as English transferred into gestures misses how it works.

3–5 min

ASL has its own grammar

Language3–5 minAmerican Sign Language is a complete language with grammar of its own. Hands, facial expression, and body movement contribute to meaning, so describing it as English transferred into gestures misses how it works.

Why is a newly spotted word not automatically a dictionary entry?

Language3–5 minA new expression can attract attention before there is enough evidence to include it in a dictionary. Cambridge's New Words posts and Merriam-Webster's account of editorial selection show different stages of observing language in use.

Why can two speech sounds count as one in another language? | Speech Topic | speaking.app