Final answer:
Phonetics is concerned with the 'articulation' aspect of speech sounds, focusing on how sounds are produced and understood for clear communication. It is distinct from semantics, syntax, and morphology, which deal with meaning, sentence structure, and word forms.
Step-by-step explanation:
In phonetics, the study primarily focuses on the articulation aspects of speech sounds. Words in a language are created by combining various phonemes, which are the smallest sound units. Phonemes form morphemes, creating meaning in language. Unlike semantics, which deals with meaning derived from words and morphology, which pertains to word forms, and syntax, related to sentence structure, phonetics is concerned with sound production and clarity when presented orally. This encompasses the precise manner in which speech sounds are formed and understood.
Effective articulation is crucial for clear communication. While presenting, proper articulation ensures that the audience can understand the spoken message. It is an aspect of phonetics that plays a significant role in how speech is perceived and interpreted, affecting both day-to-day interactions and formal presentations. Poor articulation can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of connection with the audience.
Ferdinand de Saussure's theory posits languages have both an abstract and experiential component. However, phonetics is concerned with the tangible aspects of speech, like the sound or visibility of language.