The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and English orthography are two different systems used to represent the sounds of language. While English orthography is primarily concerned with representing words and their meanings, the IPA is a phonetic alphabet designed to accurately represent the sounds of speech.
One of the main differences between IPA and English orthography is the level of detail and consistency in representing sounds. English orthography often uses multiple letters or combinations of letters to represent single sounds, and the same letters or combinations can represent different sounds in different words. For example, the letter combination “th” in English can represent two different sounds, as in “thin” and “then.”
In contrast, the IPA uses a single symbol to represent each distinct sound in language. This allows for a more precise and consistent representation of sounds across different languages and dialects. For example, the English “th” sound is represented by the IPA symbol θ, while the “sh” sound is represented by the symbol ʃ.
Another difference between the two systems is the level of standardization. English orthography has evolved over time and varies between different English-speaking countries and even within regions of the same country. This can lead to inconsistencies and irregularities in the spelling of words. On the other hand, the IPA is an internationally recognized system with a set of standardized symbols that are used consistently by linguists and language learners around the world.
The IPA also includes symbols for sounds that are not present in English. For example, the IPA includes symbols for nasal vowels, click consonants, and various other sounds that may be found in different languages. These symbols provide a way to accurately transcribe and study the sounds of any language, regardless of whether they exist in English or not.
In terms of learning and teaching pronunciation, the IPA can be a valuable tool. It allows learners to see and understand the specific sounds that make up words, and can help in accurately reproducing those sounds. English orthography, on the other hand, can be misleading as it often does not provide a clear indication of how words should be pronounced.
The main difference between IPA and English orthography lies in their purpose and level of detail. English orthography focuses on representing words and their meanings, while the IPA is a phonetic alphabet designed to accurately represent the sounds of speech. The IPA provides a more precise and consistent representation of sounds, is internationally standardized, and includes symbols for sounds not found in English.