Fundamentals of Phonetics A Practical Guide for Students Download

Fundamentals of phonetics a sensible information for college students obtain – Fundamentals of Phonetics: A sensible information for college students obtain gives a complete exploration of the fascinating world of speech sounds. Dive into the intricacies of articulatory, acoustic, and auditory phonetics, gaining a deeper understanding of how we produce, transmit, and understand language. This information is designed for college students and language lovers, making advanced ideas accessible by means of clear explanations, sensible workout routines, and downloadable sources.

The information covers a variety of subjects, from the fundamental constructing blocks of speech sounds to superior methods for analyzing related speech. You may uncover how the vocal tract shapes sounds, how sound waves transmit data, and the way our ears interpret these indicators. It is an ideal software for anybody searching for a stable basis within the science of language.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Phonetics

Phonetics, the fascinating science of speech, delves into the sounds of language. It is extra than simply how wordssound*; it is a systematic research of how people produce, transmit, and understand these sounds. Think about dissecting the very essence of communication – that is phonetics for you. This journey into the world of speech sounds will unlock a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of human language.Understanding the constructing blocks of spoken language is essential for efficient communication.

Whether or not you are a language learner striving for fluency, a speech therapist working with sufferers, or just a curious particular person, phonetics gives a robust framework for navigating the soundscape of the world.

Defining Phonetics

Phonetics is the scientific research of speech sounds. It meticulously examines the bodily traits of speech sounds, from their manufacturing within the vocal tract to their acoustic properties and finally, how they’re perceived by the ear. This includes wanting on the bodily features of speech, not the which means behind them.

Significance of Phonetics in Language Studying and Communication

A stable understanding of phonetics is crucial for language studying and communication. Figuring out the sounds of a language helps learners pronounce phrases accurately, perceive totally different accents, and keep away from miscommunication. It is like studying the alphabet – understanding the sounds lets you construct phrases and finally, perceive the language. This may have profound impacts on each tutorial {and professional} success.

Scope of Phonetics

Phonetics encompasses a variety of approaches, every specializing in a special facet of speech. These branches – articulatory, acoustic, and auditory phonetics – work collectively to supply a complete understanding of the complete speech course of.

Branches of Phonetics

  • Articulatory Phonetics: This department focuses on how speech sounds are produced. It examines the actions of the articulators (tongue, lips, vocal cords, and so on.) concerned in creating numerous sounds. Consider it as an in depth description of the bodily equipment behind speech. This consists of the research of how these articulators transfer to create the sounds, just like the tongue transferring from the entrance of the mouth to the again to create a vowel sound.

    Understanding how these articulators operate is important for producing and recognizing sounds.

  • Acoustic Phonetics: This department research the bodily properties of speech sounds as they journey by means of the air. It examines the acoustic traits of sounds, similar to frequency, depth, and length. Think about analyzing the sound waves generated by speech. This helps in understanding the acoustic variations between sounds and the way these variations contribute to the general notion of speech.

    Figuring out the acoustic properties of sounds is crucial for understanding how the sounds are transmitted by means of the air and obtained by the ear.

  • Auditory Phonetics: This department focuses on how speech sounds are perceived by the ear and interpreted by the mind. It examines how listeners understand and distinguish totally different sounds, considering the psychological and neurological processes concerned. It is the research of how the ear and mind interpret the acoustic indicators as speech. This department investigates the notion of speech sounds and the way our brains interpret them, recognizing that the identical sound may be perceived in another way primarily based on elements such because the listener’s expertise and the context by which the sound is heard.

    This facet is vital for understanding the human potential to tell apart and interpret speech.

Comparability of Phonetic Branches

Department Focus Strategies Examples
Articulatory How sounds are produced Visible statement, X-ray, electromyography Describing the tongue placement for a vowel sound, analyzing lip actions for a consonant
Acoustic Bodily properties of sound waves Sound spectrography, acoustic evaluation Measuring the frequency and depth of a vowel, analyzing the formant construction of a consonant
Auditory How sounds are perceived Psychoacoustic experiments, perceptual research Figuring out totally different accents, distinguishing comparable sounds, testing speech notion thresholds

Articulatory Phonetics: Fundamentals Of Phonetics A Sensible Information For College students Obtain

Unlocking the secrets and techniques of speech hinges on understanding how our vocal equipment creates sounds. This journey delves into the intricate world of articulatory phonetics, exploring the vocal tract and the dynamic dance of articulators within the manufacturing of speech. Think about the precision of a grasp sculptor shaping clay; that is the essence of articulatory phonetics.The human vocal tract acts as a classy acoustic resonator, reworking airflow into the various sounds of language.

Air expelled from the lungs travels by means of a posh pathway, interacting with numerous buildings to mould sounds. It is a outstanding feat of organic engineering, permitting for the unbelievable vary and subtlety of human speech.

The Vocal Tract

The vocal tract is the pathway air takes from the lungs to the mouth and nostril. It is a collection of interconnected cavities, every with its personal distinctive function in shaping sound. From the lungs, air passes by means of the trachea (windpipe), then enters the larynx, the place the vocal cords are situated. The larynx performs a vital function in voicing sounds, creating vibrations that add resonance and character to the sounds.

Past the larynx, the air travels by means of the pharynx, the oral cavity, and the nasal cavity, every impacting the ensuing sound. Understanding these buildings is prime to greedy the manufacturing of speech sounds.

Articulators and Their Actions

Exact management over the articulators, the cell components of the vocal tract, is crucial for the manufacturing of particular sounds. The dynamic actions of those buildings form the airflow, creating variations in sound.

  • Lips: Lips may be rounded (as within the “oo” in “moon”) or unfold (as within the “ee” in “sheep”). They may also be introduced collectively (as within the “p” in “pot”) or separated. These variations are key to understanding the nuances of sounds.
  • Tongue: The tongue is a extremely versatile articulator. Its place, form, and peak have an effect on the airflow and the ensuing sound. As an illustration, the tongue’s place is vital in producing the “t” sound (the tongue tip touches the alveolar ridge) and the “okay” sound (the again of the tongue touches the velum).
  • Tooth: The enamel, whereas circuitously transferring, can be utilized together with different articulators. The place of the tongue relative to the enamel performs a major function within the manufacturing of sure sounds.
  • Velum: The velum (taste bud) is an important a part of the vocal tract. Its elevating or decreasing determines whether or not sounds are oral or nasal. When the velum is raised, the nasal passage is closed, and sounds are produced within the oral cavity. When lowered, the nasal passage is open, and sounds are nasal.
  • Mandible (Jaw): Jaw motion is a vital issue within the manufacturing of sure sounds. The place of the mandible can alter the scale and form of the oral cavity, influencing the resonance and traits of sounds.

Consonant Sounds: Place and Method of Articulation

Understanding how sounds are articulated permits us to categorize and classify them systematically. Consonants are characterised by the place and method of articulation.

Consonant Place of Articulation Method of Articulation
/p/ Bilabial Plosive
/t/ Alveolar Plosive
/okay/ Velar Plosive
/f/ Labiodental Fricative
/s/ Alveolar Fricative

These examples illustrate the connection between the articulators’ actions and the ensuing sounds. Additional exploration into this space reveals a wealthy tapestry of sound variations.

Acoustic Phonetics

Fundamentals of phonetics a practical guide for students download

Unlocking the sonic secrets and techniques of speech, acoustic phonetics delves into the bodily properties of sound waves as they emanate from our vocal tracts. It is like listening to a symphony performed by your individual physique, however as an alternative of devices, we have got vocal cords, tongues, and lips. Understanding these acoustic properties gives a robust software for analyzing and categorizing speech sounds, finally contributing to a extra complete understanding of language.Acoustic phonetics examines the measurable traits of sound, offering a bridge between the articulatory actions of our vocal organs and the auditory expertise of the listener.

Consider it because the ‘sound fingerprint’ of a speech sound. Every sound, from the comfortable whisper of a vowel to the explosive burst of a consonant, leaves a novel sonic signature. We’ll discover the essential function of sound waves and their interplay with the human ear to uncover the intricate acoustic options of speech.

Sound Waves and Speech

Sound waves are mechanical disturbances that propagate by means of a medium, similar to air. Once we communicate, our vocal folds vibrate, creating stress modifications within the surrounding air. These stress modifications, in flip, generate sound waves. These waves journey outward, carrying the vitality of our speech. The way in which these waves behave, when it comes to their frequency, depth, and length, straight corresponds to the speech sounds we produce.

A clearer understanding of the bodily properties of sound waves is essential to understanding speech.

Acoustic Options of Speech Sounds

The acoustic properties of speech sounds are essential for understanding how we understand and produce speech. They’re just like the constructing blocks of speech, offering a novel acoustic signature for every sound. Key acoustic options embody frequency, depth, and length.

  • Frequency: Frequency refers back to the variety of cycles of vibration per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Greater frequencies correspond to higher-pitched sounds. For instance, a high-pitched vowel like ‘ee’ in ‘warmth’ has the next frequency than a low-pitched vowel like ‘ah’ in ‘father’. The frequency content material of a sound considerably impacts how we understand it.
  • Depth: Depth, measured in decibels (dB), corresponds to the sound’s loudness. Loud sounds have increased depth values. Depth is influenced by the drive of the articulatory actions and the quantity of air stress behind the sound. The depth of a sound performs a vital function in how clearly we will hear it in a loud atmosphere.
  • Length: Length, measured in seconds, represents the size of time a sound lasts. Some sounds, like plosives, are brief, whereas others, like vowels, may be sustained for longer durations. The length of a sound is straight associated to the size of time the articulatory actions are maintained.

Acoustic Options of Vowel Sounds

Vowel sounds are characterised by their distinct acoustic options, making them simply identifiable. The next desk Artikels the acoustic options of varied vowel sounds, offering a complete view of their sonic profiles.

Vowel Frequency (Hz) Depth (dB) Length (ms)
/i/ (e.g., in ‘beat’) ~250-500 ~60-80 ~100-200
/æ/ (e.g., in ‘cat’) ~500-800 ~65-85 ~120-250
/ɑ/ (e.g., in ‘father’) ~300-500 ~60-75 ~150-280
/u/ (e.g., in ‘boot’) ~300-600 ~65-80 ~100-200

These acoustic options present a basis for understanding the nuanced variations between speech sounds, enabling extra exact evaluation of the vocal tract’s intricate workings.

Auditory Phonetics

Our ears, superb organic microphones, play a vital function in how we understand the world of speech. They remodel sound waves into electrical indicators, permitting us to tell apart between totally different sounds and finally perceive language. This journey from sound to which means is way extra advanced than merely listening to; it includes a captivating interaction of bodily processes and cognitive interpretations.The method of sound notion is not a passive reception.

Our brains actively interpret the incoming auditory data, filtering out irrelevant noise and highlighting important speech cues. This energetic processing is crucial for understanding the nuances of spoken language, together with the refined variations between comparable sounds and the general which means of a sentence. It is like having a classy audio editor always analyzing and decoding the sounds round us.

The Ear’s Position in Speech Notion

The ear, a marvel of organic engineering, acts because the preliminary receiver of speech sounds. The outer ear collects sound waves, funneling them down the ear canal to the eardrum. This delicate membrane vibrates in response to the sound waves, transmitting these vibrations to tiny bones inside the center ear. These bones, the hammer, anvil, and stirrup, amplify and transmit the vibrations to the interior ear, the place the cochlea converts them into electrical indicators.

These indicators are then despatched to the mind for processing.

The Technique of Sound Notion: Decoding the Acoustic Sign

Sound notion is a multi-stage course of, starting with the bodily reception of sound waves by the ear. These waves are transformed into neural impulses, that are then despatched to the auditory cortex within the mind. The mind interprets these impulses, evaluating them with current patterns and reminiscences. This course of permits us to establish particular person speech sounds and assemble them into significant phrases and phrases.

The complexity of this course of is additional highlighted by the truth that the identical sound may be perceived in another way relying on the context by which it seems. As an illustration, the ‘t’ sound in ‘cease’ differs barely from the ‘t’ in ‘kitten’.

Perceptual Points of Speech Sounds

Understanding speech sounds goes past simply figuring out particular person phonemes. Phonemic notion, for instance, includes recognizing the smallest models of sound that distinguish one phrase from one other. Our brains have a outstanding potential to extract these phonemic distinctions, permitting us to distinguish between ‘pat’ and ‘bat’ or ‘pin’ and ‘bin’. Furthermore, our notion of speech will not be solely primarily based on the person sounds; it additionally considers the context, the speaker’s accent, and the encompassing sounds.

Comparability of Speech Sound Notion Throughout Languages

Language Function Language A (e.g., English) Language B (e.g., Japanese) Language C (e.g., Spanish)
Notion of /r/ and /l/ Distinct sounds, simply differentiated. Could also be perceived as the identical sound, or have a special phonetic worth relying on the context Could also be perceived as comparable, however refined distinctions are famous.
Notion of vowel size Vowel size typically contributes to which means, impacting phrases like “ship” and “sheep”. Vowel size will not be a major distinguishing issue. Vowel size might affect the which means of phrases however otherwise than in English.
Notion of intonation Intonation performs a vital function in conveying which means and emotion. Intonation patterns might differ, affecting the interpretation of sure phrases. Intonation contours could also be essential for conveying various kinds of which means and emotion.

The desk above gives a glimpse into the variations in speech notion throughout totally different languages. Every language has its personal distinctive acoustic and perceptual traits.

Sensible Purposes and Workouts

Fundamentals of phonetics a practical guide for students download

Unlocking the secrets and techniques of speech is extra than simply principle; it is about tangible software. This part dives into the sensible realm of phonetics, empowering you to establish, observe, and excellent the sounds of English. It is like studying to trip a motorcycle – you want each understanding the mechanics and hands-on observe.This journey into sensible phonetics will equip you with the instruments to establish totally different speech sounds, offering invaluable insights into how sounds are produced, transmitted, and perceived.

We’ll deal with widespread pronunciation pitfalls and provide methods for clean, assured communication.

Figuring out Speech Sounds

To actually grasp a language, it is advisable acknowledge its constructing blocks – its sounds. This includes cautious listening and statement. Understanding the intricacies of how sounds are produced, whether or not by the tongue, lips, or vocal cords, gives a deeper appreciation for the wealthy tapestry of spoken language.

Consonant and Vowel Sound Identification Workouts

These workout routines are designed to hone your ear and improve your potential to discern refined variations in consonant and vowel sounds. Follow makes good! Begin with easy distinctions, step by step progressing to extra advanced ones.

  • Preliminary Consonant Sounds: Pay attention rigorously to the preliminary sounds in phrases like “cat,” “canine,” “ship,” and “zebra.” Attempt to establish the consonant sound in every phrase and repeat it. Then, try to isolate the consonant sound. This can assist you construct a deeper understanding of how sounds are produced and the way they mix in numerous contexts.
  • Vowel Sounds in Completely different Positions: Discover how the vowel sound in “bat,” “bait,” and “boat” modifications primarily based on the encompassing consonants. This observe will assist you differentiate between refined vowel variations and the way they contribute to the general which means of a phrase.
  • Minimal Pairs: Deal with pairs of phrases that differ by just one sound, like “bit” and “pit,” or “ship” and “sheep.” This train is great for distinguishing between comparable sounds and growing your auditory acuity.

Frequent Pronunciation Errors and Correction Methods

Even native audio system typically discover pronunciation. Figuring out widespread pitfalls and the best way to appropriate them is essential for efficient communication.

  • “Th” Sound Confusion: Many learners battle with distinguishing between the “th” sounds in “skinny” and “this.” Follow articulating these sounds, taking note of the place of the tongue and the air move. Document your self and pay attention again, specializing in the nuances of the sound.
  • Vowel Size Errors: Distinguishing between lengthy and brief vowel sounds can considerably alter the which means of phrases. Emphasize the length of the vowel sound in phrases like “beat” and “beet,” “cat” and “caught.” Utilizing a mirror can assist you visualize the form of your mouth whereas articulating the vowel sound.

Desk of Frequent Pronunciation Errors

This desk gives a concise overview of widespread pronunciation errors and their appropriate counterparts. Common overview of this desk will reinforce your understanding of those essential features of English pronunciation.

Incorrect Pronunciation Right Pronunciation Instance
/θɪn/ /ðɪn/ skinny
/bɛt/ /biːt/ beet
/kæt/ /kɔːt/ caught

Assets and Additional Studying

Embarking on a journey into the fascinating world of phonetics requires greater than only a single information. It is a subject brimming with alternatives for deeper exploration, and this part gives you with the instruments to proceed your quest for phonetic mastery. We’ll discover important sources, highlighting sensible approaches to solidifying your understanding.This part dives into the wealthy panorama of supplementary studying supplies.

From complete textbooks to partaking on-line sources, we’ll equip you with the instruments wanted to construct a sturdy phonetic basis. Sensible software is essential, and this part underscores the importance of hands-on studying and the advantages of readily accessible sources.

Advisable Textbooks

A powerful basis in phonetics typically begins with a well-structured textbook. These present a complete overview, protecting the elemental ideas and providing a structured method to studying. The next sources provide invaluable insights into the intricacies of phonetics.

  • Ladefoged, P., & Johnson, Okay. (2015). A Course in Phonetics (seventh ed.). This traditional textbook gives an in depth exploration of articulatory, acoustic, and auditory phonetics, alongside sensible workout routines and examples. Its intensive protection and clear explanations make it a wonderful selection for college students searching for an intensive understanding.

  • Yuletide, G. (2010). The Research of Language (sixth ed.). Whereas not solely targeted on phonetics, this complete linguistics textbook gives invaluable insights into the phonetic underpinnings of language, together with an exploration of the assorted features of language construction and use.
  • Crystal, D. (2019). A Dictionary of Phonetics and Phonology. This invaluable useful resource serves as a complete lexicon, offering definitions and explanations of key phrases, ideas, and processes inside the subject of phonetics.

On-line Assets

The web gives a wealth of supplementary supplies for these desirous to delve deeper into phonetics. Interactive instruments, audio recordings, and on-line programs present a dynamic studying expertise, augmenting the insights gained from conventional textbooks.

  • Fornix: This platform gives interactive workout routines and explanations that complement the theoretical data offered in textbooks. The workout routines are partaking and reinforce your understanding of varied phonetic ideas.
  • UCLA Phonetics Lab: This famend useful resource gives a wealth of audio recordings, together with detailed transcriptions and analyses of varied speech sounds. Its huge database is a useful software for anybody seeking to develop their auditory expertise and deepen their understanding of phonetic phenomena.
  • YouTube channels specializing in phonetics: Many channels present wonderful tutorials, demonstrations, and explanations of particular phonetic ideas. Their movies provide a visually partaking method, enriching your understanding and providing totally different views.

The Significance of a Sensible Information

A sensible information, like this one, is essential as a result of it bridges the hole between principle and observe. It gives a structured pathway, guiding you thru elementary ideas and providing hands-on workout routines to solidify your understanding. This method is essential to mastering phonetics successfully. This sensible method empowers you to actively have interaction with the fabric, fostering a deeper and extra significant comprehension of the topic.

Benefits of a Downloadable Format

The downloadable format gives unparalleled flexibility and accessibility. This permits for learning on the go, anytime and wherever. It is a handy and sensible method to studying phonetics, no matter your location or schedule.

  • Accessibility:
  • Portability:
  • Offline Entry:

Completely different Sorts of Studying Supplies

Phonetics research encompasses numerous studying sources, every with its personal distinctive strengths. The range ensures that you could find supplies that resonate along with your studying fashion and preferences.

  • Audio Recordings:
  • Movies:
  • Interactive Software program:

Transcription Techniques

Unlocking the secrets and techniques of spoken language requires a exact system for representing sounds. That is the place transcription programs, just like the Worldwide Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), come into play. They supply a standardized solution to signify the sounds of any language, permitting for correct communication and evaluation. Think about a common language for speech, one which transcends accents and dialects.

That is the facility of the IPA.

The Worldwide Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

The Worldwide Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is a standardized system for representing the sounds of human speech. It isn’t nearly writing down phrases; it is about meticulously recording the nuances of sound. Every image within the IPA corresponds to a selected sound, guaranteeing that the identical sound is all the time represented by the identical image, whatever the phrase or language.

This precision is essential for phoneticians, linguists, and anybody learning the intricacies of spoken language.

Utilizing the IPA for Transcribing Speech Sounds

Studying to make use of the IPA includes understanding the symbols and their corresponding sounds. The IPA gives a complete stock of sounds, protecting vowels, consonants, and even the refined variations inside these classes. Mastering the IPA includes observe and endurance. Consider it as studying a brand new alphabet, however one which captures the total spectrum of human speech.

Examples of Transcribing Completely different Phrases Utilizing the IPA

Let’s delve into sensible software. Transcribing phrases with the IPA includes meticulously mapping every sound to its corresponding image. Take into account the phrase “cat.” Its IPA transcription can be /kæt/. The /okay/ represents the unvoiced velar cease, the /æ/ the brief “a” sound, and the /t/ the unvoiced alveolar cease. This seemingly easy phrase, when damaged down, reveals a captivating construction of sounds.

Examples of English Phrases with IPA Transcription

Understanding how the IPA captures the essence of spoken English is essential. The desk beneath gives a glimpse into this. Word the constant illustration of every sound.

English Phrase IPA Transcription
Cat /kæt/
Canine /dɒɡ/
Chair /tʃɛə(r)/
Cellphone /fəʊn/
Suppose /θɪŋk/
Mom /ˈmʌðə(r)/
Query /ˈkwestʃən/
Distinctive /juːˈniːk/
Pleased /ˈhæpi/
Perceive /ˌʌndəˈstænd/

This desk demonstrates the constant software of the IPA, providing a standardized illustration of spoken English phrases. It is a key software for anybody aiming to research and perceive the nuances of spoken language.

Particular Phonetic Evaluation

Unveiling the secrets and techniques of spoken language, we embark on a journey to dissect the fascinating world of related speech. Understanding how sounds mix and morph in real-life conversations is essential to mastering phonetics. This exploration will delve into the intricacies of assimilation, elision, and juncture, revealing the dynamic nature of pronunciation in context.

Evaluation of Related Speech

Related speech is not only a string of remoted sounds; it is a dynamic tapestry woven from refined interactions between phonemes. This fluidity arises from the inherent effectivity of our speech manufacturing system. Audio system typically simplify or modify sounds to facilitate smoother transitions between phrases, resulting in fascinating phonetic changes. This part examines the principles governing these changes, offering instruments for understanding and analyzing related speech.

Assimilation

Assimilation, a standard function of related speech, describes the modification of a sound to grow to be extra just like a neighboring sound. Consider it as sounds “borrowing” traits from their phonetic neighbours. This course of can contain modifications in place, method, or voicing of sounds. A traditional instance is the pronunciation of “purse” the place the /n/ sound typically assimilates to the next /b/, making a /m/ sound: /ˈhæmbæɡ/.

Elision, Fundamentals of phonetics a sensible information for college students obtain

Elision, one other vital facet of related speech, includes the omission of sounds. This happens when a sound is just not noted for the sake of effectivity or fluency. The pace and rhythm of dialog typically drive elision. Take into account the widespread elision of the /t/ sound in phrases like “do not” /dɒnt/.

Juncture

Juncture refers back to the pauses and melodic variations between phrases in related speech. These refined modifications in intonation and rhythm can considerably alter the which means of a sentence. Take into account the distinction between “I noticed her” and “I noticed, her”. The juncture (the pause) between the phrases shifts the interpretation.

Affect of Context on Pronunciation

The encompassing phrases in a sentence considerably affect pronunciation. That is the place the context-sensitive nature of phonetics turns into evident. The sounds produced in isolation are sometimes fairly totally different from these produced in related speech. This affect is a testomony to the dynamic interaction of sounds within the human speech system.

Examples of Related Speech Evaluation utilizing the IPA

Instance Sentence IPA Transcription (Remoted Phrases) IPA Transcription (Related Speech) Evaluation
“I’ve a pen.” /aɪ hæv ə pɛn/ /aɪˈhævəpɛn/ Clean transition between phrases, no important assimilation or elision.
“Can I assist you?” /kæn aɪ ɛlp juː/ /kænˈaɪɛlpjuː/ Slight assimilation of /n/ to /m/ in “can I”.
“What’s that?” /wɒtɪz ðæt/ /wɒtsðæt/ Elision of the /ɪz/ in “what’s”.
“The person ate the pie.” /ðə mæn eɪt ðə paɪ/ /ðəmæneɪðəpaɪ/ Assimilation of /n/ to /m/ earlier than /eɪt/.

Understanding these phonetic processes unlocks the true richness of human communication, offering perception into how language isn’t just a collection of discrete sounds however a flowing, dynamic expression.

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