How does phonemic transcription differ from phonetic transcription?

Phonemic transcription is fundamentally distinct from phonetic transcription due to the different levels of detail they represent regarding speech sounds. Phonemic transcription captures the abstract, cognitive representations of speech sounds that correspond to phonemes in a particular language. It focuses on the underlying sound system, which includes the contrasts and functions of sounds within that language. This means it typically uses slashes (/) to denote phonemes, and it emphasizes the function of sounds in creating meaning rather than the physical characteristics of their production.

In contrast, phonetic transcription provides a more detailed account of how sounds are actually produced in speech. It includes variations in articulation, allophones, and other phonetic details that may arise due to linguistic context or speaker idiosyncrasies. Phonetic transcription usually employs square brackets ([ ]) to indicate these actual sound qualities, capturing nuances such as aspiration, nasalization, and coarticulation.

Therefore, the correct choice highlights this distinction: phonemic transcription focuses on the abstract sound system, while phonetic transcription provides insight into the actual production of those sounds. This differentiation is essential for understanding linguistic theory and practical applications in speech-language pathology and linguistics.