Connected speech in English - why do we need it?

Summary

In this video, Hadar introduces the concept of connected speech, explaining its importance in communication and fluency. She emphasizes that connected speech is not about accent but about making speech more organized and easier to understand. Through practical examples, Hadar demonstrates how words in a sentence can be linked together smoothly without pauses, highlighting the technical aspects of vowel-to-vowel, consonant-to-consonant, and consonant-to-vowel connections. She also covers common reductions in spoken English. The video encourages viewers to practice connecting words for more effective, natural speech.

Takeaways

• 😀 Connected speech is the practice of linking words together to form a smooth, coherent unit within a sentence.
• 😀 The goal of connected speech is to improve clarity and organization in spoken language, not just to mimic an accent.
• 😀 Breaking speech into units helps to make speech more understandable, just like organizing an email with proper breaks.
• 😀 When words are not connected, speech can sound disjointed and harder to understand.
• 😀 Connected speech is about keeping your voice going without pausing between words, creating a continuous flow.
• 😀 There are several technical ways to connect words, such as linking vowels (e.g., 'you already know') or consonants (e.g., 'good thing').
• 😀 Intrusive sounds can appear when connecting vowels, like 'you(w)already know' or 'he(y)is'.
• 😀 Consonant-to-vowel connections (e.g., 'all_over') help to create a smoother sound between words.
• 😀 Reductions like 'I'm' for 'I am' or 'wanna' for 'want to' are common in connected speech and make speech sound more natural.
• 😀 Faster speech does not necessarily mean more connected speech; it's more about how words are joined without breaks.
• 😀 Practicing connected speech helps you become more fluent in delivering ideas clearly and efficiently, making speech flow naturally.

Q & A

What is connected speech and why is it important?

Connected speech refers to the way words are linked together in spoken language, forming a natural, fluid sound rather than individual, separate words. It is important because it helps organize speech and makes it easier for listeners to understand, much like how written language uses punctuation to organize thoughts.

What happens when words are not connected in speech?

When words are not connected, speech can sound staccato, as if each word is stressed and isolated. This makes it harder for listeners to grasp the overall message and can make communication less efficient.

How does connected speech differ from having an accent?

Connected speech is not about having an accent. It is about how speech is delivered. While an accent refers to pronunciation patterns specific to regions or groups, connected speech focuses on linking words together for smoother and more organized communication.

How does connected speech help with organizing thoughts during speaking?

By connecting words together, speakers create natural units of meaning within a sentence. This helps organize their thoughts, making their message clearer and easier for the listener to follow, similar to organizing thoughts in writing with paragraphs and punctuation.

What is the role of stress and reduction in connected speech?

Stress and reduction help in emphasizing key words and making certain parts of speech more fluid. For instance, function words like 'to', 'of', and 'the' may be reduced to shorter sounds (like a schwa), while content words are stressed more, helping to focus attention on the important parts of a sentence.

Can connected speech improve communication in a second language?

Yes, mastering connected speech can greatly improve communication in a second language. It allows speakers to sound more natural and fluent, making it easier for listeners to understand their message without unnecessary pauses or awkwardness between words.

What are some common examples of connected speech in English?

Examples include the reduction of 'want to' to 'wanna' or 'going to' to 'gonna'. Another example is the connection of a consonant sound at the end of one word to a vowel sound at the beginning of the next, such as 'all over' becoming 'allover'.

How does connected speech differ from speaking quickly?

Connected speech doesn't require speaking faster. It involves keeping the flow of speech continuous without pauses between words. This helps create smoother speech, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the speaker needs to increase their speed.

What is the technical aspect of connecting words together in speech?

The technical aspect involves connecting sounds in different ways, such as vowel-to-vowel (e.g., 'you already know'), consonant-to-consonant (e.g., 'nice hat'), or consonant-to-vowel (e.g., 'all over'). Sometimes, intrusive sounds like a 'y' or 'w' may also appear to facilitate these connections.

Why is it difficult for language learners to connect words in a second language?

Language learners may struggle with connected speech because they often focus on pronouncing individual words clearly, which can lead to separation between them. This is common when they are trying to be precise or because their native language may have different speech patterns.