The Speech Chain: The Physics and Biology of Spoken Language [Hardcover]

Peter B. Denes (Author), Elliot N. Pinson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0716722569 | ISBN-13: 978-0716722564 | Publication Date: January 1993 | Edition: 2nd

For over 25 years,"The Speech Chain" has been regarded as the classic, easy-to-read introduction to the complexities of spoken communication. The book has now been thoroughly revised and updated to give a state-of-the-art description of each link in the speech chain - from the speaker's production of words to the transmission of sound to the listener's perception. It provides a foundation for understanding the essential aspects of linguistics, acoustics and anatomy, and explores recent research developments, such as the digital processing of speech and the use of computers for the generation of artificial speech and for speech recognition. This interdisciplinary account should be accessible to persons with no previous exposure to the study of language.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 246 pages
• Publisher: W H Freeman & Co (Sd); 2nd edition (January 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0716722569
• ISBN-13: 978-0716722564
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #472,782 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For language teachers, speech pathologists, linguists ..., December 17, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Speech Chain: The Physics and Biology of Spoken Language (Paperback)

... and teachers of the deaf.

Both Peter Denes and Elliot Pinson were communications scientists at Bell Laboratories in New Jersey. Dr. Denes was Head of the Speech and Communication Research Department; Dr. Pinson was Head of the Computer Systems Research Department.

Very useful material: In its own words, this book is "an explanation of processes involved in spoken communication, from the speaker's production of words, through transmission of sound, to the listener's perception of what has been said. The mechanism of hearing is also described."

Highly recommended for teachers, researchers, students, and workers in this field.

4.0 out of 5 stars How about some sweet knowledge coming your way?, July 14, 2011

By 

Billitteri "Word..." (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Speech Chain: The Physics and Biology of Spoken Language (Paperback)

This book is fascinating. If you've ever had an interest in the way the body creates speech, on a physiological level, this book is for you. It's short and sweet, but chock full of cool information. You'll learn about the building blocks of speech (phonemes), how the body creates them, and the neurological processes involved in creating and decoding speech patterns. This book is seriously interesting if you're into highly technical reads.

A word of warning: This is not a casual reader for most people. I bought it because a college class required it as the primary reading material. If you're not somewhat familiar with the way sound works, or are unable or unwilling to research sound using some outside sources, you may be frustrated with this book. But if you're willing to do the extra bit of work, this book is really, really cool.

4 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, May 31, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Speech Chain: The Physics and Biology of Spoken Language (Paperback)

I am doing research on the Wiener Filter, and this book is a great introduction. Go get it!