Phonetics, Experimental

instrumental phonetics, the aggregate of methods used in the analysis of a language’s sound system employing various kinds of apparatus and other auxiliary means.

The frequency, duration, and intensity of a fundamental tone are determined by an oscillograph. A spectrometer and spectrograph are used for the spectral analysis of sounds and their formant structure. The position of the tongue is determined with a photopalatogram and through dynamic palatography. Changes in the frequency and intensity of the fundamental tone are automatically analyzed by an intonograph.