What is the primary focus of speech science?

The primary focus of speech science is on the physiological, acoustic, and perceptual aspects of speech. This field explores how speech is produced (physiologically), how sound waves created by speech are measured and analyzed (acoustically), and how those sounds are perceived and understood by listeners (perceptually). This comprehensive approach is crucial for understanding the mechanics of speech production and perception, leading to insights that are important for various applications, including speech therapy, linguistics, and communication technology.

While aspects of language acquisition, cognitive processes, and speech disorders are certainly important in the broader context of communication sciences, they do not encompass the foundational elements of speech science itself. The emphasis in speech science on the specific characteristics of speech production and perception sets it apart as a distinct area within the larger field of communication studies.