A comparative analysis of vowel sounds in English and Spanish

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis presents a comprehensive study on the comparative analysis of vowel sounds in English and Spanish. The research aims to investigate the phonetic characteristics of vowel sounds in these two languages, focusing on their similarities and differences. The study employs a qualitative approach, utilizing acoustic analysis to examine the acoustic properties of vowel sounds in English and Spanish. The research methodology includes data collection from native speakers of both languages and the application of phonetic analysis techniques to measure and compare vowel formants and durations. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, outlining the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. Chapter Two consists of a literature review that explores existing studies on vowel sounds in English and Spanish, highlighting relevant theories and findings in the field of phonetics and linguistic research. Chapter Three details the research methodology, including the selection of participants, data collection procedures, acoustic analysis techniques, and data interpretation methods. The chapter also discusses the reliability and validity of the research design and addresses any ethical considerations. In Chapter Four, the findings of the study are presented and analyzed in detail. The acoustic analysis reveals significant differences in vowel formants and durations between English and Spanish, indicating distinct phonetic patterns in the two languages. The discussion delves into the implications of these findings for phonetic theory and language learning, considering factors such as language acquisition and cross-linguistic phonetic transfer. Chapter Five offers a conclusion and summary of the thesis, summarizing the key findings, discussing their implications, and suggesting areas for future research. The thesis contributes to the field of phonetics by providing a detailed comparative analysis of vowel sounds in English and Spanish, shedding light on the phonetic characteristics of these languages and enhancing our understanding of cross-linguistic phonetic variation.