"Instead of following one another the sounds overlap; a sound which is acoustically perceived as coming after another one can be articulated simultaneously with the latter or even in part before it"

Roman Jakobson's quote emphasizes the intricacy and fluidity inherent in human speech and phonetics, challenging the notion of linear sound production in language. At a basic level, when we communicate verbally, it may appear like noises follow one another in a straightforward, sequential way. Nevertheless, Jakobson highlights that the acoustic perception and real articulation of sounds can take place in overlapped or non-linear patterns.

In linguistic terms, this phenomenon can be comprehended through the concept of coarticulation. Coarticulation refers to the way sounds impact each other in connected speech, leading to a more fluid and effective production that reflects the overlapping nature of sound articulation. This procedure means that while we may view sounds as unique and sequential, they typically exist together or mix, impacting their acoustic and temporal properties.

Jakobson's viewpoint highlights the intricacies of phonetic articulation, where distinct speech sounds include a vibrant interaction of numerous articulatory motions. For example, the expression of a specific consonant may begin before the preceding vowel has actually been completely concluded, or the positioning required for an upcoming vowel may affect the production of the present consonant. These overlapping actions contribute to the smooth and fast shipment of speech, enabling the fluid communication we experience in daily discussion.

In addition, this idea also reflects the flexibility and performance of human language, evidencing our capability to procedure and produce intricate sequences of noises easily. The non-linear and overlapping nature of sound articulation speaks with the richness of linguistic systems, highlighting how language is not simply a string of discrete phonetic units but a tapestry of interconnected noises working together dynamically.

In summary, Jakobson's quote lights up the advanced interaction between perception and production in human speech, highlighting the concept that language is not bound by direct constraints. This point of view invites a deeper appreciation of the nuanced systems through which language is both experienced and articulated.