Articulation focuses on the physical process of producing sounds. It involves the movement and positioning of the speech organs – tongue, lips, teeth, palate, etc. – to create different sounds. Think of it as the mechanics of speech.
Pronunciation, on the other hand, encompasses the entire sound, including both articulation and acoustic features. This means it considers the way the sound is produced, how it resonates, and how it is perceived by the listener.
Here's a simple analogy:
* Articulation is like the recipe for a dish: it details the ingredients and steps involved in preparing it.
* Pronunciation is like the finished dish itself: it's what you actually taste and experience.
Example:
* Articulation of the sound /t/: The tongue tip touches the alveolar ridge (just behind the teeth) and then releases quickly.
* Pronunciation of the sound /t/: The sound is a voiceless stop consonant, characterized by a brief burst of air and a high-pitched sound.
In short:
* Articulation is the physical act of making a sound.
* Pronunciation is the complete realization of that sound, including its acoustic properties.
While articulation is a part of pronunciation, pronunciation encompasses a wider range of aspects. Both are essential for clear and understandable speech.