Abstract:
A system for conditioning a child to learn any language without an accent, contains a memory and a processor configured by the memory to perform the steps of: separating from a full International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) set, a native language IPA, resulting in a derivative set, wherein the native language is at least one native language of the child; sequencing the derivative set according to aspects of the derivative set, wherein aspects are selected from the group including consonants, vowels, and tones, resulting in a sequenced derivative set; selecting words in foreign languages that use at least one aspect of the sequenced derivative set each; embedding the selected words in an easy to follow format, in the native language of the child; and playing the easy to follow format with the embedded words according to the prior determined sequence of the sequenced derivative set.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to copending U.S. Provisional Application entitled, “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONDITIONING A CHILD TO LEARN ANY LANGUAGE WITHOUT AN ACCENT,” having Ser. No. 61/256,206, filed Oct. 29, 2009, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Tremendous resources are spent every year by individuals and companies to learn new languages. While an individual may be successful in learning a new language, it is quite often the case that the individual will have a strong accent. Typically, the accent is shaped by the native language of the individual. Having such an accent can be detrimental. As an example, strong accents can make understanding the spoken new language difficult. In addition, it is well known that having a strong accent can be a liability in the business world, especially in customer relations. 
         [0003]    The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is a universal way to denote the sounds (utterances) of human languages. Each human language has its own IPA, which is a subset of the full IPA. As is illustrated by the diagram of  FIG. 1 , there is an area of overlap between languages (denoted as A), and then there are sounds that exist in a certain language or languages but not in other languages (denoted as B). 
         [0004]    Human language sounds fall into one of four broad categories, namely, consonants, vowels, tones and stress, intonation and rhythm. When an adult who is a native speaker of language X, studies language Y, sounds of language Y that are not part of the IPA for language X are difficult for the adult to produce. This difficulty is often heard as the foreign accent to native speakers of language Y. In addition, in some cases such an adult would find it challenging to even recognize and distinguish some of the sounds in the language Y IPA that are not part of the language X IPA. 
         [0005]    Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for conditioning a child to learn any language without an accent. The system for conditioning a child to learn any language without an accent, contains a memory and a processor configured by the memory to perform the steps of: separating from a full International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) set, a native language IPA, resulting in a derivative set, wherein the native language is at least one native language of the child; sequencing the derivative set according to aspects of the derivative set, wherein aspects are selected from the group including consonants, vowels, and tones, resulting in a sequenced derivative set; selecting words in foreign languages that use at least one aspect of the sequenced derivative set each; embedding the selected words in an easy to follow format, in the native language of the child; and playing the easy to follow format with the embedded words according to the prior determined sequence of the sequenced derivative set. 
         [0007]    The system may alternatively contain logic implemented via hardware logic circuitry configured to separate from a full International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) set, a native language IPA, resulting in a derivative set, wherein the native language is at least one native language of the child; logic implemented via hardware logic circuitry configured to sequence the derivative set according to aspects of the derivative set, wherein aspects are selected from the group containing consonants, vowels, and tones, resulting in a sequenced derivative set; logic implemented via hardware logic circuitry configured to select words in foreign languages that use at least one aspect of the sequenced derivative set each; logic implemented via hardware logic circuitry configured to embed the selected words in an easy to follow format, in the native language of the child; and logic implemented via hardware logic circuitry configured to play the easy to follow format with the embedded words according to the prior determined sequence of the sequenced derivative set. 
         [0008]    It should be noted that the system may be provided for a single user, such as via a single general computer, or may be provided within a server or other device that allows multiple users to interact with the system from remote locations. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is an International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) diagram illustrating that there is an area of overlap between different languages and that there are sounds that exist in a certain language or languages but not in other languages. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating a general-purpose computer architecture that can implement the present system. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing the abovementioned system in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a diagram further illustrating removal of the IPA covered by a shaded English circle. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram illustrating use of the present system and method within a network, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    The present system and method is provided to condition a child to learn any language without an accent. A child who is a native speaker of language X, and learns to produce the sounds that are part of language Y IPA, but are not part of language X IPA, can then produce these sounds as an adult. The child, if he/she decides to study language Y as an adult, can easily produce the sounds of language Y IPA that are not in language X IPA, hence not sound as having a heavy foreign accent to native speakers of language Y. 
         [0016]    The present invention is provided to teach children who are native speakers of language X, the sounds of the full IPA, minus those sounds that are contained by language X IPA, which they can already recognize, distinguish, and produce. The result is that these children will be able to recognize, distinguish, and then produce the full range of sounds of the IPA. At any point later in life, the children can study any language of their choosing, and be in a much better position to distinguish, recognize, and produce its IPA sounds that are not shared with their native language IPA. 
         [0017]    For exemplary purposes, the IPA for the English language is presented as a specific example in table one below. In addition, the full IPA is presented in table two below. 
         [0018]    Functionality of the present system  10  and method can be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. In a first exemplary embodiment, a portion of the system  10  is implemented in software  100 , as an executable program, and is executed by a special or general-purpose digital computer, such as a personal computer, a portable or mobile computer, workstation, minicomputer, or mainframe computer. The first exemplary embodiment of a general-purpose computer architecture that can implement the system  10  is shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0019]    Generally, in terms of hardware architecture, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the computer  10  includes a processor  20 , memory  30 , storage device  40 , and one or more input and/or output (I/O) devices  50  (or peripherals) that are communicatively coupled via a local interface  60 . The local interface  60  can be, for example but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The local interface  60  may have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, to enable communications. Further, the local interface  60  may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components. 
         [0020]    The processor  20  is a hardware device for executing software, particularly that stored in the memory  30 . The processor  20  can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the computer  10 , a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), a macroprocessor, or generally any device for executing software instructions. 
         [0021]    The memory  30  can include any one or combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)) and nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, etc.). Moreover, the memory  30  may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory  30  can have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remote from one another, but can be accessed by the processor  20 . 
         [0022]    The software  100  in the memory  30  may include one or more separate programs, each of which contains an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions of the present system  10 , as described below. In the example of  FIG. 2 , the software  100  in the memory  30  defines the system  10  functionality in accordance with the present invention. In addition, the memory  30  may contain an operating system (O/S)  70 . The operating system  70  essentially controls the execution of computer programs and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. 
         [0023]    The system  10  may be provided by a source program, executable program (object code), script, or any other entity containing a set of instructions to be performed. When the system is provided by a source program, then the program needs to be translated via a compiler, assembler, interpreter, or the like, which may or may not be included within the memory  30 , so as to operate properly in connection with the O/S  70 . Furthermore, the system  10  can be written as (a) an object oriented programming language, which has classes of data and methods, or (b) a procedure programming language, which has routines, subroutines, and/or functions. In addition, the system  10  may be provided within a network so that multiple users may utilize the functionality of the software  100 . Such a network may be a private network, the Internet, or a different network. 
         [0024]    The I/O devices  50  may include input devices, for example but not limited to, a keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, joystick, handheld game console interface, or other input device. Furthermore, the I/O devices  50  may also include output devices, for example but not limited to, a printer, a speaker, display, or other output device. Finally, the I/O devices  50  may further include devices that communicate via both inputs and outputs, for instance but not limited to, a modulator/demodulator (modem; for accessing another device, system, or network), a radio frequency (RF) or other transceiver, a telephonic interface, a bridge, a router, or other device. When the system  10  is in operation, the processor  20  is configured to execute the software  100  stored within the memory  30 , to communicate data to and from the memory  30 , and to generally control operations of the computer  10  pursuant to the software  100 . The software  100  and the O/S  70 , in whole or in part, but typically the latter, are read by the processor  20 , perhaps buffered within the processor  20 , and then executed. 
         [0025]    When the system  10  is implemented in software, as is shown in  FIG. 2 , it should be noted that the system  10  can be stored on any computer readable medium for use by or in connection with any computer related system or method. In the context of this document, a computer readable medium is an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or means that can contain or store a computer program for use by or in connection with a computer related system or method. The system  10  can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be any means that can store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
         [0026]    The computer readable medium can be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a nonexhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection (electronic) having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (electronic), a read-only memory (ROM) (electronic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash memory) (electronic), an optical fiber (optical), and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM) (optical). Note that the computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via for instance optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted or otherwise processed in a suitable manner if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory. 
         [0027]    In an alternative embodiment, where the system  10  is implemented in hardware, the system  10  can be implemented with any or a combination of the following technologies, which are each well known in the art: a discrete logic circuit(s) having logic gates for implementing logic functions upon data signals, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) having appropriate combinational logic gates, a programmable gate array(s) (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart  200  illustrating a method of providing the abovementioned system  10  in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that any process descriptions or blocks in flowcharts should be understood as representing modules, segments, portions of code, or steps that include one or more instructions for implementing specific logical functions in the process, and alternative implementations are included within the scope of the present invention in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present invention. It should be noted that each of the following functional blocks are described in further detail below. 
         [0029]    As is shown by block  202 , the IPA set is cut so as to remove the native language IPA of the child from the comprehensive IPA circle. At this stage the native language IPA of the child is removed from the full IPA set. The diagram of  FIG. 4  provides a further illustration of the removal, where one removes the IPA covered by the shaded English circle. For the present example, the native language of the child is English. What is left in the comprehensive IPA circle after the native language IPA of the child is removed, are the IPA sounds to be contained in the set. This resulting set is referred to herein as the native modified set. It should be noted that the native modified set is also referred to herein as a derivative set. 
         [0030]    Returning to  FIG. 3 , the native modified set is then sequenced according to rules as described in further detail below (block  204 ), resulting in a sequenced set. It should be noted that while the following uses a specific grouping of the native modified IPA set, one having ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that a different logical sequence may be used. It is noted, however, that it is typically easier for a child to learn in the order listed below. 
         [0031]    At this stage the native modified IPA set can be grouped into a few distinct categories, such as, for example, consonants, vowels, and tones, thereby providing the sequenced set. For exemplary purposes, these distinct categories can be sequenced so at to build an easy instruction set for the child. One such sequence can start with consonants (since consonants are easiest to learn), then vowels, then tones, though other sequences can also be selected, as long as the native modified IPA set is grouped into distinct categories, each containing one aspect (consonants, vowels, or tones). 
         [0032]    Words in foreign languages that use an increasing number of aspects of the sequenced set each, are then selected (block  206 ). As an example, words in foreign languages may be picked that use one aspect of the sequenced set each, then two aspects of the sequenced set each, then three aspects of the sequenced set, according to the belowmentioned rules. It should be noted that consonants, vowels, and tones are each referred to herein as aspects. 
         [0033]    Words that are picked are words that are easy to portray visually. The visual representation of the word should be distinct and memorable. An example of such a word may be, but is not limited to, a noun since nouns can easily be visualized. Words that are picked should be interesting to the child. As an example, for four year olds fascinated by animals, words should be animal names. Words are selected that each represent one aspect of the IPA sequenced set, namely, consonants, vowels, or tones. Although not required in accordance with the present invention, it is easiest to start with consonants (hereinafter referred to as “level 1 words”), then vowels (“level 2 words”), then tones (“level 3 words), as illustrated below, but such sequencing is not mandatory, as long as the full IPA set is covered with selected words that match the natural areas of interest of the child. 
         [0034]    For example, dealing with consonants, for the IPA consonant [r], which does not exist in English, but exists in many other languages, pick the Spanish word “rata” which uses this sound, but other than that has no IPA that is not part of the English IPA (hence “rata” uses only one aspect of the sequenced set, the [r] aspect). As an example of dealing with vowels, for the IPS vowel [o], which does not exist in English, pick the French word “oiseau”, which uses this sound, but has no other IPA that is not part of the English IPA (hence “oiseau” uses only one aspect of the sequenced set, the [o] aspect). 
         [0035]    This exercise can be repeated for stress only if the native language of the child has an IPA that is unique in its use of stress. French, for example, is a language with no stressing at all, so it falls into this category, but English does not fall into this category because English uses multiple stress patterns, as evidenced by its IPA. 
         [0036]    After having created groups of words where each group represents only one aspect of the sequenced set, words are selected that represent two aspects at a time, for example two consonants, or a consonant and a vowel, or a consonant and a tone that are not part of the English IPA. These words are labeled “level 4 words”. Similarly, words are then selected that represent three aspects of the sequenced set each. These are labeled “level 5 words”. 
         [0037]    As shown by block  208 , the selected words in the foreign languages are then embedded in an easy to follow format in the native speaking language, where the easy to follow format is memorable to the child. It should be noted that the format will depend on the age, experiences, and maturity of the child. As an example, the easy to follow format may be short stories, games, rhymes, quizzes, virtual adventures and experiences, or songs. 
         [0038]    For each age group a selection of short stories, games, and songs in the native language of the child is used. These short stories, games, and songs are interesting to this age group, and are highly visual in nature. In “level  1  short stories” (or songs, or games, or rhymes, or virtual adventures and experiences, etc.) only “level 1 words” are embedded. In “level 2 short stories” (or songs, or games) only level 1 and level 2 words are embedded. In addition, in “level 3 short stories” (or songs, or games) only level 1, 2, and 3 words, and so on for levels 4 and 5 short stories. 
         [0039]    The easy to follow format is then played with the embedded words (block  210 ), according to the sequence defined in block  204 . For example, start with “level 1 short stories”, which are stories in English, using foreign words introducing non English IPA consonants, one consonant at the time. 
         [0040]    The child may then be tested on their ability to first recognize and distinguish the new sound, and second on their ability to pronounce the new sound perfectly (block  212 ). Since the words are all visual objects, tests should be focused on the ability of the child to memorize and recognize the sounds of the IPA set, and not on reading comprehension. 
         [0041]    For example, in a story that uses “rata”, assign “rata” to a very distinct kind of rat (“rata” is Spanish for rat, hence this is a “natural use”) using a visual that would be memorable to the child. In a multiple choice question ask the child what animal this is, and play choices that are very close to “rata”, yet are different than “rata” only in this new consonant aspect. When the child has memorized the new sound (in this case, the new consonant aspect), he/she will be able to pick the correct answer. 
         [0042]    As shown by block  214 , as the child masters the first part of the sequenced set, the present system  10  moves to the second part of the sequenced set and so on. At the end of the process, the child will have learned to recognize, distinguish, and produce the sounds of the IPA set that does not include their native language. These sounds could be associated with visuals in their minds, and will be at their disposal throughout life. When later in life this person decides to study Italian, as an example, when confronted with their first Italian word containing the vowel [o] (which is pretty much any Italian word that has the letter “o” in it), the person can be reminded of that exotic bird, the “oiseau”. Even though “oiseau” is a French word, it contains the [o] sound, which the person now has completely at their disposal to recognize, distinguish, and pronounce correctly with no English accent. 
         [0043]    As previously mentioned, not only can the system  10  be used for training a child at a single location, as shown by the first exemplary embodiment of the invention, but, in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, the system  10  may also be provided within a network so that multiple users may utilize the functionality of the software  100 . In such an embodiment, an example of which is illustrated by  FIG. 5 , the present system and method could be provided on a server  300 , where multiple children may interact with the system by communication with the server  300  via individual computers, such as a first computer  302  and second computer  304  illustrated by  FIG. 5 . Communication with the server  300  may be provided by one or more of many different communication methods, such as, but not limited to, via the Internet  306 , via wireless communication, via a wired connect, or via a local area network. In accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the invention, the software is stored on the server  300  instead of individually on each computer  302 ,  304 . 
         [0044]    It should be noted that the abovementioned creating of a subset of the IPA, which excludes the native language of the child and leaves a set of sounds to be taught, does not need to include all of the remaining sounds of all human languages. As an example, if a parent would like their native English speaking child to learn only the sounds of French, Mandarin, and Spanish, and not prevent the child from having an accent for all other languages that he/she may learn outside of these three, instead of beginning with a full IPA, we would begin with a modified IPA having the sounds of English, French, Mandarin, and Spanish. The other abovementioned steps would proceed as previously mentioned. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 The Phonetic Alphabet for English 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 IPA 
                 Examples 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Consonants 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 B 
                 buy, cab 
               
               
                   
                 D 
                 die, cad 
               
               
                   
                 
                           
                 
                 thy, breathe, father 
               
               
                   
                 
                           
                 
                 giant, badge 
               
               
                   
                 f 
                 phi, caff 
               
               
                   
                 g(′g) 
                 guy, cag 
               
               
                   
                 h 
                 high, ahead 
               
               
                   
                 j 
                 yes, hallelujah 
               
               
                   
                 k 
                 kye, sky, crack 
               
               
                   
                 l 
                 lie, sly, gal 
               
               
                   
                 m 
                 my, smile, cam 
               
               
                   
                 n 
                 nigh, snide, ban 
               
               
                   
                 
                           
                 
                 gang, sink, ringer 
               
               
                   
                 
                           
                 
                 finger 
               
               
                   
                 θ 
                 thigh, math 
               
               
                   
                 p 
                 pie, spy, cap 
               
               
                   
                 r 
                 rye, try, very 
               
               
                   
                 s 
                 sigh, mass 
               
               
                   
                 
                           
                 
                 shy, cash, emotion 
               
               
                   
                 t 
                 tie, sty, cat 
               
               
                   
                 
                           
                 
                 China, catch 
               
               
                   
                 v 
                 vie, have 
               
               
                   
                 w 
                 wye, swine 
               
               
                   
                 hw 
                 why 
               
               
                   
                 z 
                 Zion, has 
               
               
                   
                 
                           
                 
                 pleasure, vision, beige 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 IPA 
                 Traditional monophthongs 
                 R-colored vowels 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Vowels 
               
             
          
           
               
                 æ 
                 bat, bad, shall, ban 
                 ær 
                 barrow, marry 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 balm, father, bra 
                 
                           
                 
                 bar, mar, party, starring, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (            ) 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 bot, pod, John, doll 
                 
                           
                 
                 moral, forage 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 bawd, caught, dawn, ball, 
                 
                           
                 
                 born, for, aural            
               
               
                   
                 straw 
                   
                   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 code, boat, goal, bone, go 
                 
                           
                 
                 boar, four, more, oral 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (            ) 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 good, foot, pull, Sunni 
                 
                           
                 
                 boor, moor, tourist 
               
               
                 u: 
                 food, lute, pool, soon, blue 
                   
                 (/u:r./) 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 bud, but, dull, gun 
                 
                           
                 
                 hurry, Murray 
               
               
                   
                   
                 
                           
                 
                 bird, myrrh, furry (also 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                             ) 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 bed, pet, bell, men 
                 
                           
                 
                 berry, merry 
               
               
                 eI 
                 fade, fate, fail, vein, pay 
                 
                           
                 
                 bear, mare, Mary (/eIr./) 
               
               
                 I 
                 bid, pit, bill, bin 
                 Ir 
                 mirror 
               
               
                 i: 
                 bead, peat, feel, mean, sea 
                 
                           
                 
                 beer, mere, serious 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (/i:r./) 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Traditional diphthongs 
               
             
          
           
               
                 aI 
                 ride, write, file, fine, pie 
                 
                           
                 
                 void, exploit, foil, coin 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 boy 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 out, loud, owl, down, how 
                 ju: 
                 cute, hue, pew, dew 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Reduced vowels 
               
             
          
           
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Rosa&#39;s, a mission 
                 
                           
                 
                 button 
               
               
                 i 
                 happy, serious 
                 
                           
                 
                 rhythm 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 roses, emission 
                 
                           
                 
                 bottle 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 beautiful, curriculum (            ) 
                 
                           
                 
                 perform, mercer (also 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                             ) 
               
               
                 θ 
                 following, omission 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Stress 
                 Syllabification 
               
             
          
           
               
                 IPA 
                 Examples 
                 IPA 
                 Examples 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 ′ 
                 Intonation 
                 . 
                 shellfish            , selfish 
               
               
                   
                             , 
                   
                 
                           
                 
               
               
                 ′ 
                 battleship 
                   
                 nitrate /′naI.treIt/, night-rate 
               
               
                   
                 
                           
                 
                   
                 /′naIt.reIt/ 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 moai            
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 The full International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) 
               
               
                 Main symbols 
               
               
                 The symbols are arranged by similarity to letters of the Latin alphabet. 
               
               
                 Symbols that do not resemble any letter are placed at the end. 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Symbol 
                 Examples 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A 
                   
                   
               
               
                 [a] 
                 Spanish  casa , French  patte , German  Mann   
                 For many English 
               
               
                   
                   
                 speakers, the first 
               
               
                   
                   
                 part of the  ow  sound 
               
               
                   
                   
                 in  cow . Found in 
               
               
                   
                   
                 some dialects of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 English in  cat  or 
               
               
                   
                   
                   father . 
               
               
                 [a:] 
                 German    Aachen   , French  gare   
                 Long [a]. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 RP cut, German    Kaiserslautern     
                 (With English,            is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 normally written 
               
               
                   
                   
                 “          ”.) 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                   Finnish     Linna   , Dutch  bad   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 RP  father , French  pâte   
                 Long           . 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 French    Caen   ,  sans ,  temps   
                 Nasalized           . 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 RP  cot   
                 Like           , but with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 lips slightly rounded. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                   
                 Like           , but without 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the lips being 
               
               
                   
                   
                 rounded. (When “          ” 
               
               
                   
                   
                 is used for English, it 
               
               
                   
                   
                 may really be            or 
               
               
                   
                   
                            .) 
               
               
                 [æ] 
                 RP  cat   
               
               
                 B 
               
               
                 [b] 
                 English  babble   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Swahili  bwana   
                 Like a [b] said with a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 gulp. 
               
               
                 [B] 
                   
                 Like the  brrr  sound 
               
               
                   
                   
                 made when cold. 
               
               
                 [β] 
                 Spanish  la Bamba   
                 Like [b], but with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 lips not quite 
               
               
                   
                   
                 touching. 
               
               
                 C 
               
               
                 [c] 
                 Turkish  kebap  “ kebab ”, Czech stin “shadow” 
                 Between English 
               
               
                   
                   
                   tune  (RP) and  cute . 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Sometimes used 
               
               
                   
                   
                 instead for            in 
               
               
                   
                   
                 languages like Hindi. 
               
               
                 [ç] 
                 German  lch   
                 More y-like than [x]. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Some English 
               
               
                   
                   
                 speakers have a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 similar sound in 
               
               
                   
                   
                   huge . To produce 
               
               
                   
                   
                 this sound, try 
               
               
                   
                   
                 whispering loudly the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 word “ye” as in “Hear 
               
               
                   
                   
                 ye!”. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Mandarin  Xi&#39;an , Polish  ściana   
                 More y-like than           ; 
               
               
                   
                   
                 something like 
               
               
                   
                   
                 English  she . 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 see under  O   
               
               
                 D 
               
               
                 [d] 
                 English  did   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Swahili  Dodoma   
                 Like [d] said with a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 gulp. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 American English  harder   
                 Like [d] with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 tongue curled or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 pulled back. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 English  the ,  bathe   
               
               
                 [dz] 
                 English  adze , Italian  zero   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 English  judge   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                   Polish   niedźwiedź  “bear” 
                 Like           , but with 
               
               
                   
                   
                 more of a y-sound. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Polish  dżem  “jam” 
                 Like            with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 tongue curled or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 pulled back. 
               
               
                 E 
               
               
                 [e] 
                 Spanish  fe ; French  clé   
               
               
                 [e:] 
                 German  Klee   
                 Long [e]. Similar to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 English  hey , before 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the y sets in. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 English  above , Hindi             (thug)  “thief” 
                 (Only occurs in 
               
               
                   
                   
                 English when not 
               
               
                   
                   
                 stressed.) 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 American English  runner   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 English  bet   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 French    Agen   ,  vin ,  mairr ; Polish            ka   
                 Nasalized           . 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 RP  bird  (long) 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 American English  bird   
               
               
                 F 
               
               
                 [f] 
                 English  fun   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 see under  J   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 see under  J   
               
               
                 G 
               
               
                 [g] 
                 English  gig   
                 (Should look like g. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 No different from a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Latin “g”) 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Swahili  Uganda   
                 Like [g] said with a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 gulp. 
               
               
                 [G] 
                   
                 Like [g], but further 
               
               
                   
                   
                 back, in the throat. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Found in some 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Arabic dialects for 
               
               
                   
                   
                 /q/, as in    Gaddafi   . 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 see under  Z   
                 English  beige . 
               
               
                 H 
               
               
                 [h] 
                 American English  house   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 English  ahead , when said quickly. 
               
               
                 
                   [ h ] 
                 
                   
                 The extra puff of air 
               
               
                   
                   
                 in English  top              
               
               
                   
                   
                 compared to  stop   
               
               
                   
                   
                 [stop], or to French 
               
               
                   
                   
                 or Spanish [t]. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Arabic            Muhammad   
                 Far down in the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 throat, like [h], but 
               
               
                   
                   
                 stronger. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 see under  U   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 see under  L   
               
               
                 I 
               
               
                 [i] 
                 French  ville , Spanish    Valladolid     
               
               
                 [i:] 
                 English  sea   
                 Long [i]. 
               
               
                 [l] 
                 English  sit   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Russian            “you” 
                 Often used for 
               
               
                   
                   
                 unstressed English 
               
               
                   
                   
                   roses . 
               
               
                 J 
               
               
                 [j] 
                 English  yes , German  Junge   
               
               
                 [ j ] 
                 Russian            [l j e′n j In] 
                 Indicates a sound is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 more y-like. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Spanish  cayo  (some dialects) 
                 Like [j], but stronger. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Turkish  gör  “see”, Czech díra “hole” 
                 Between English 
               
               
                   
                   
                   dew  (RP) and  argue . 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Sometimes used 
               
               
                   
                   
                 instead for            in 
               
               
                   
                   
                 languages like Hindi. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Swahili  jambo   
                 Like            said with a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 gulp. 
               
               
                 K 
               
               
                 [k] 
                 English  kick ,  skip   
               
               
                 L 
               
               
                 [l] 
                 English  leaf   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 English  wool   
                 “Dark” el. 
               
               
                   
                 Russian                       “small” 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Welsh  llwyd              “grey” 
                 Rather like [l] and            
               
               
                   
                 Zulu hlala           “sit” 
                 or [l] and [θ] said 
               
               
                   
                   
                 together. Found in 
               
               
                   
                   
                   Welsh  names like 
               
               
                   
                   
                   Lloyd  and  Llywelyn   
               
               
                   
                   
                 and  Nelson   
               
               
                   
                   
                   Mandela &#39;s Xhosa 
               
               
                   
                   
                 name  Rolihlahla . 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                   
                 Like [l] with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 tongue curled or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 pulled back. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                   
                 A flapped [l], like [l] 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and            said together. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Zulu  dla  “eat” 
                 Rather like [l] and           , 
               
               
                   
                   
                 or [l] and           , said 
               
               
                   
                   
                 together. 
               
               
                 M 
               
               
                 [m] 
                 English  mime   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 English  symphony   
                 Like [m], but lips 
               
               
                   
                   
                 touch teeth as they 
               
               
                   
                   
                 do in [f]. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 see under  W   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 see under  W   
               
               
                 N 
               
               
                 [n] 
                 English  nun   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 English  sing   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Spanish  Peña , French  champagne   
                 Rather like English 
               
               
                   
                   
                 canyon. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Hindi                        “Varuna”   
                 Like [n] with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 tongue curled or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 pulled back. 
               
               
                 [N] 
                 Castilian Spanish  Don Juan              
                 Like           , but further 
               
               
                   
                   
                 back, in the throat. 
               
               
                 O 
               
               
                 [o] 
                 Spanish  no , French  eau   
               
               
                 [o:] 
                 German  Boden , French    Vosges     
                 Long [o]. Somewhat 
               
               
                   
                   
                 reminiscent of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 English  no . 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 German    Oldenburg   , French    Garonne     
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 RP  law , French    Limoges     
                 Long           . 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 French    Lyon   ,  sorr , Polish  k             t   
                 Nasalized           . 
               
               
                 [ø] 
                 French  feu ,  bœufs   
                 Like [e], but with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 lips rounded like [o]. 
               
               
                 [ø:] 
                 German    Goethe   , French    Deûle   ,  neutre   
                 Long [ø]. 
               
               
                 [θ] 
                 Swedish  dum   
                 Halfway between [o] 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and [ø]. Similar to            
               
               
                   
                   
                 but with the tongue 
               
               
                   
                   
                 slightly more down 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and front. 
               
               
                 [œ] 
                 French  bœuf ,  seul , German    Göttingen     
                 Like           , but with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 lips rounded like           . 
               
               
                 [œ:] 
                 French  œuvre ,  heure   
                 Long [œ]. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 French  brun ,  parfum   
                 Nasalized [œ]. 
               
               
                 [θ] 
                 English  thigh ,  bath   
               
               
                 [φ] 
                 Japanese                          Fuji     
                 Like [p], but with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 lips not quite 
               
               
                   
                   
                 touching 
               
               
                 P 
               
               
                 [p] 
                 English  pip ,  spit   
               
               
                 Q 
               
               
                 [q] 
                 Arabic    Qur&#39;ān     
                 Like [k], but further 
               
               
                   
                   
                 back, in the throat. 
               
               
                 R 
               
               
                 [r] 
                 Spanish  perro , Scots  borrow   
                 “Rolled R”. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (Generally used for 
               
               
                   
                   
                 English           when 
               
               
                   
                   
                 there&#39;s no need to be 
               
               
                   
                   
                 precise.) 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Spanish  pero , Tagalog  daliri , Malay  kabar , 
                 “Flapped R”. 
               
               
                   
                 American English  kitty/kiddie   
               
               
                 [R] 
                   
                 A trill in the back of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the throat. Found for 
               
               
                   
                   
                 /r/ in some 
               
               
                   
                   
                 conservative 
               
               
                   
                   
                 registers of French. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Hindi                      “sari” 
                 Like flapped           , but 
               
               
                   
                   
                 with the tongue 
               
               
                   
                   
                 curled back. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 RP  borrow   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 American English  borrow ,  butter   
                 Like           , but with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 tongue curled or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 pulled back, as 
               
               
                   
                   
                 pronounced by many 
               
               
                   
                   
                 English speakers. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 French    Paris   , German    Riemann     
                 Said back in the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 throat, but not trilled. 
               
               
                 S 
               
               
                 [S] 
                 English  sass   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 English  shoe   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Mandarin    Shàolín   , Russian               (Pushkin)     
                 Acoustically similar 
               
               
                   
                   
                 to           , but with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 tongue curled or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 pulled back. 
               
               
                 T 
               
               
                 [t] 
                 English  tot ,  stop   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Hindi                       (thug)  “thief” 
                 Like [t], but with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 tongue curled or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 pulled back. 
               
               
                 [ts] 
                 English  cats , Russian             tsar   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 English  church   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Mandarin               (i)     B{hacek over (e)}ijīng , Polish  ciebie  “you” 
                 Like           , but with 
               
               
                   
                   
                 more of a y-sound. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Mandarin  zh , Polish  cz   
                 Like            with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 tongue curled or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 pulled back. 
               
               
                 U 
               
               
                 [u] 
                 French  vous  “you” 
               
               
                 [u:] 
                 French    Rocquencourt   , German    Schumacher   , close to RP 
                 Long [u]. 
               
               
                   
                 
                   food 
                 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 English  foot , German  Bundesrepublik   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Australian English  food  (long) 
                 Like           , but with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 lips rounded as for 
               
               
                   
                   
                 [u]. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 French  lui   
                 Like [j] and [w] said 
               
               
                   
                   
                 together. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 see under  W   
               
               
                 V 
               
               
                 [V] 
                 English  verve   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Hindi                      “Varuna”   
                 Between [v] and [w]. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Used by some 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Germans and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Russians for  v/w , 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and by some 
               
               
                   
                   
                 speakers of British 
               
               
                   
                   
                 English for  r . 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Arabic/Swahili  ghali  “expensive”, Spanish  suegro   
                 Sounds rather like 
               
               
                   
                   
                 French           or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 between [g] and [h]. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Mandarin    Hénán     
                 Like [o] but without 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the lips rounded, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 something like a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 cross of            and           . 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 see under  A   
               
               
                 W 
               
               
                 [W] 
                 English  wow   
               
               
                 
                   [ w ] 
                 
                 English  rain              
                 Indicates a sound 
               
               
                   
                   
                 has lip rounding, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   quick . 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                   what  (some dialects) 
                 like [h] and [w] said 
               
               
                   
                   
                 together 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Turkish  kaylk  “caïque” 
                 Like [u], but with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 lips flat; something 
               
               
                   
                   
                 like           . 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Spanish  agua   
               
               
                 X 
               
               
                 [X] 
                 Scottish English  loch , German    Bach   , Russian            
                 between [k] and [h] 
               
               
                   
                             “good”, Spanish  joven   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                   northern Standard Dutch   Scheveningen , Castilian Spanish 
                 Like [x], but further 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Don Juan  
                           
                 
                 back, in the throat. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Some German and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Arabic speakers 
               
               
                   
                   
                 have          for [x]. 
               
               
                 Y 
               
               
                 [y] 
                 French  rue   
                 Like [i], but with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 lips rounded as for 
               
               
                   
                   
                 [u]. 
               
               
                 [y:] 
                 German    Bülow   , French  sûr   
                 Long [y]. 
               
               
                 [Y] 
                 German    Eisenhüttenstadt     
                 Like [I], but with the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 lips rounded as for 
               
               
                   
                   
                            . 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Spanish  llama  (Castilian) 
                 More y-like than [l]. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Rather like English 
               
               
                   
                   
                   volume . 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 see under  U   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 see under  V   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 see under  V   
               
               
                 Z 
               
               
                 [Z] 
                 English  zoos   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 English  vision , French  journal   
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 formal Russian                       “you burn”, Polish  źle   
                 More y-like than          , 
               
               
                   
                   
                 something like 
               
               
                   
                   
                   beigey . 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Mandarin             Rénmín Rìbào  “People&#39;s Daily”, Russian 
                 Like           with the 
               
               
                   
                             “journal” 
                 tongue curled or 
               
               
                   
                   
                 pulled back. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 see under  L   
               
               
                 Other 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 English  uh-oh ,  Hawai&#39;i , German  die Angst   
                 The ‘glottal stop’, a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 catch in the breath. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 For some people, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 found in button 
               
               
                   
                   
                            , or between 
               
               
                   
                   
                 vowels across 
               
               
                   
                   
                 words:  Deus ex   
               
               
                   
                   
                 
                   machina 
                 
               
               
                   
                   
                                      ; 
               
               
                   
                   
                 in some nonstandard 
               
               
                   
                   
                 dialects, in  a apple   
               
               
                   
                   
                            . 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Arabic            (   c   arabī)  “Arabic” 
                 A light sound deep in 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the throat. 
               
               
                 [l] 
                 English  tsk-tsk!  or  tut-tut! , Zulu  icici  “earring” 
                 (The English click 
               
               
                   
                   
                 used for 
               
               
                   
                   
                 disapproval.) Several 
               
               
                   
                   
                 distinct sounds, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 written as digraphs, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 including [kl], [gl], 
               
               
                   
                   
                            . The 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Zimbabwean MP 
               
               
                   
                   
                   Ncube  has this click 
               
               
                   
                   
                 in his name, as did 
               
               
                   
                   
                   Cetshwayo . 
               
               
                 [ll] 
                 English  tchick! tchick! , Zulu  ixoxo  “frog” 
                 (The English click 
               
               
                   
                   
                 used to urge on a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 horse.) Several 
               
               
                   
                   
                 distinct sounds, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 written as digraphs, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 including [kll], [gll], 
               
               
                   
                   
                            . Found in the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 name of the  Xhosa . 
               
               
                 [!] 
                 Zulu  iqaqa  “polecat” 
                 A hollow popping 
               
               
                   
                   
                 sound, like a cork 
               
               
                   
                   
                 pulled from a bottle. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Several distinct 
               
               
                   
                   
                 sounds, written as 
               
               
                   
                   
                 digraphs, including 
               
               
                   
                   
                 [k!], [g!],           . 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0045]    Diacritic Marks 
         [0046]    All diacritics are here shown on a carrier letter such as the vowel a. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Symbol 
                 Example 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 
                           
                 
                 pronunciation 
                 Main stress. The mark denotes the stress of the following 
               
               
                   
                   
                 syllable. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                                        
                 Weaker stress. The mark denotes the stress of the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 following syllable. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 English shh!            
                 Long. Often used with English vowels or diphthongs: Mayo 
               
               
                   
                   
                             for           , etc. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 RP caught            
                 Semi-long. (Although the vowel is different, this is also 
               
               
                   
                   
                 longer than cot           .) 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 English cow           , koi 
                 This vowel runs into the vowel next to it. (In English, the 
               
               
                   
                 
                           
                 
                 diacritic is generally left off:           .) 
               
               
                 
                   [ ã ] 
                 
                 French vin blanc            
                 A  nasal  vowel, as with a Texas twang. 
               
               
                   
                 “white wine” 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                   
                 Sounds like a loud whisper;            is like a whispered breath 
               
               
                   
                   
                 through the nose.            is found in Tibetan Lhasa. 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 English button 
                 A consonant without a vowel. (English            is often 
               
               
                   
                   
                 transcribed           .) 
               
               
                 
                           
                 
                 Spanish dos, French 
                 The tongue touches the teeth more than it does in English. 
               
               
                   
                 deux 
               
               
                 
                   [ k h  ] 
                 
                 English come 
                 Aspirated consonant, pronounced with a puff of air. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Similarly [t h  p h  ts h             ]. 
               
               
                 
                   [ k′ ] 
                 
                 Zulu ukuza “come” 
                 Like a popped [k], pushed from the throat. Similarly [t′ p′ q′ 
               
               
                   
                   
                             ts′           ]. 
               
             
          
           
               
                 
                   [ á ] 
                 
                 Mandarin            [mámā] 
                 High tone. 
                 Careful! 
               
               
                   
                 “mother” 
                   
                 The  Pinyin  Romanization used for Mandarin 
               
               
                 
                   [ ā ] 
                 
                 Mandarinn            [mámā] 
                 Mid tone. 
                 has these same diacritics, but with different 
               
               
                   
                 “mother” 
                   
                 values. 
               
               
                 
                   [ à ] 
                 
                 Mandarin                       
                 Low tone. 
                 However,  Thai  Romanization uses them the 
               
               
                   
                 “horse&#39;s” 
                   
                 way the IPA does. 
               
               
                 
                   [ â ] 
                 
                 Mandarin            [mâ] 
                 Falling tone. 
               
               
                   
                 “scold” 
               
               
                 
                   [ {hacek over (a)} ] 
                 
                 Mandarin            [m{hacek over (a)}] 
                 Rising tone. 
               
               
                   
                 “hemp” 
               
             
          
           
               
                 
                   [ . ] 
                 
                 English courtship 
                   Syllable  break. (this is often redundant and therefore left 
               
               
                   
                 
                           
                 
                 off) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0047]    It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.