The phonetic symbols convert audio sounds into visual images. 音標將聲音轉換成影像。

By successfully translating the symbols from books or dictionaries, an experienced learner can reproduce 100% correct sounds based on their knowledge of the phonetic symbols. 藉由成功解讀書本或字典上的音標，一個有經驗的學習者能夠掌握對於音標的知識並還原出完全正確的發音。

On the other hand, with the knowledge, learners can mark phonetic symbols on words or characters they are not familiar with when they hear the correct pronunciation from teachers or native speakers. 此外，若能掌握關於音標的知識，學習者將可以在遇到不熟的單字時，一方面聽到正確發音，一方面使用正確的符號將其紀錄下來。

That is, learning the phonetic symbols system is an efficient way to master a language by yourself. 也就是說，懂得音標是有效率自學語言的一種方法。