Phonetic transcription uses written symbols to represent sounds, with strict transcription aiming to capture as much detail as possible. It can be narrow or broad, with close transcription using diacritical marks to note pronunciation. Narrow transcription is difficult and useful for speech therapy and linguistics.
Strict transcription is a tool used during the phonetic transcription process. In phonetic transcription, written symbols are used to represent words or sounds. These symbols are derived from the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) which is the most widely used transcription language in the world. In a condensed transcript, the writer attempts to capture as much detail about the sound as possible. Rather than simply trying to capture the word itself, the transcriber focuses on how the sounds were produced.
Phonetic transcription can be divided into two basic categories, which include both narrow and broad transcription. In a large transcript, the writer ignores the details and focuses on what words were used, rather than how they were pronounced. Overall transcriptions can be identical for two people speaking the same series or words, as the transcription will not reflect individual accents, pronunciation and speech patterns.
Close transcription captures as much detail as possible about the words spoken. In addition to noting the words themselves, the transcriber notes how each sounded and how the speaker formed each sound. This is accomplished by the use of diacritical marks or special symbols used in conjunction with the IPA. Diacritical marks allow the transcriber to capture unique differences in pronunciation, such as a pause between letters, a nasal quality, or a missed letter. They also capture the placement of the tongue, lips and teeth as each sound is pronounced.
Most sources agree that narrow transcription is much more difficult to master than broad transcription. In addition to learning the full IPA, the transcriber must also understand how to apply diacritical marks. To successfully perform this type of transcription, one must have significant experience observing the use of the speakers’ mouth, tongue and lips and capturing their movements on paper. It’s also helpful to understand how different mouth movements affect pronunciation and sound quality.
A shortened transcript can be a powerful tool for speech therapists and pathologists. While language itself is short-lived, a phonetic transcription can be preserved and studied over time. By studying how patients form sounds, the therapist is better equipped to come up with an effective treatment plan to improve speech. This process is also used by linguistics professionals, who rely on this technique to study and understand the differences and similarities between various languages. Finally, abridged transcription can be used to capture words or sounds in a meeting, interview, or legal setting.
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