Sounds of the World’s Languages

The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is a set of phonetic symbols that linguists use to describe the sounds of spoken languages. Please watch the video (Introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet) first to learn how to navigate the IPA chart. Then, explore our clickable Consonant charts (one for pulmonic sounds, and one for non-pulmonic sounds) and Vowel chart by clicking each sound to see an ultrasound image and/or an animated diagram of how the corresponding sound is produced.

Introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet

In this video, we focus on how to navigate the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) chart.

  • Why do we need the IPA?
  • How to navigate consonants and vowels in the IPA

After watching the video, think about how phonetic information can contribute to second language learning.