مخارج الأصوات العربية بين القدماء والمحدثين

Abstract

Languages do not progress in their existence by mere coincidence, nor do they wander randomly on the tongues of people without order. Rather, they are governed by laws that almost rise to the level of natural laws. Sounds constitute a crucial part in the formation of these languages, including the Arabic language. And since language is composed of various systems, it begins with the phonological system (with its consonants, vowels, phonemes, and syllables) and the phenomena that prevail within it. This research aims to study the articulation points of consonant and vowel sounds in the Arabic language from a precise phonetic perspective, in order to uncover the articulatory mechanisms that contribute to the production and differentiation of speech sounds. Arabic sounds are divided into two main categories: • Consonant sounds: These are sounds produced with a narrowing or complete closure in the airflow, emerging from various regions of the vocal tract—from the larynx to the lips. These articulatory points are classified into five major areas: the pharynx, tongue, lips, nasal cavity, and teeth. • Vowel sounds: These include short vowels (harakāt) and long vowels (madd), and are characterized by the smooth and uninterrupted flow of air. They generally originate from the larynx and are shaped in the oral cavity. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology, tracing the articulation points with precision and highlighting their role in distinguishing sounds and supporting the phonological structure of words. It also examines the phonetic and functional differences between vowels and consonants and their influence on phonological form.