This guide contains concise information on the International Phonetic Alphabet, a universally agreed system of notation in use for over a century, for the sounds of languages, and guidance on how to use it. The handbook replaces the previous edition, "Principles of the International Phonetic Association," which has not been revised since 1949. This volume not only updates the previous one but is a completely new work with wider objectives. It presents the basics of phonetic analysis so that the principles underlying the Alphabet can be readily understood and gives examples of the use of each of the phonetic symbols. This handbook is divided into three parts. Part one contains an introduction of phonetic description and exemplification of the use of symbols. Part two consists of nearly 30 illustrations of the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet for different languages, each of them accompanied by a phonetic transcription of a passage of speech. Part three contains five appendices: "the Principles of the International Phonetic Association"; "Computer Coding of IPA Symbols" using internationally agreed upon codes; "Extensions to the IPA" covering speech sounds beyond the sound systems of languages; "About the International Phonetic Association"; and "Reference Charts." (KFT)