THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF SPEECH ECONOMY IN PHONETICS: INSIGHTS INTO THE WORKS OF SCHOLARS

Abstract

Speech economy is a fundamental concept in linguistics that explores how speakers optimize their articulatory movements to efficiently produce sounds during communication. This article examines the historical development of speech economy in phonetics, focusing on the works of prominent scholars such as Ohala, Lindblom, Byrd, and Saltzman. The concept of speech economy emphasizes the strategic use of articulatory gestures and resources to convey linguistic information effectively while minimizing effort. Researchers have investigated various aspects of speech economy, including the frequency code in speech production, articulatory phonology, motor planning strategies, and coarticulation effects. By studying how speakers streamline their articulatory movements and anticipate upcoming gestures, scholars continue to uncover insights into the mechanisms underlying efficient speech production.