Linking Consonant to Consonant -- American English Pronunciation

Summary

This video provides a detailed guide on linking consonant to consonant in American English pronunciation. It emphasizes the importance of linking for smoother, more natural speech, avoiding choppy breaks between words. The video covers examples like linking the same consonant (e.g., 'gas station'), using stop consonants (e.g., 'hot today'), and provides techniques for linking consonants such as 'tough one' and 'on Rachel’s desk.' The content is designed to help learners practice linking consonants and improve their fluency, with clear explanations and step-by-step guidance on each technique.

Takeaways

• 😀 Linking consonants to consonants is a key part of sounding smooth and natural in American English.
• 😀 Breaking words apart can make speech sound choppy, while linking words together creates a smoother flow.
• 😀 There are various types of consonant-to-consonant linking, including linking the same consonants (e.g., 'gas station' with one 'S').
• 😀 Stop consonants (t, d, p, b, k, g) need to be briefly 'stopped' before transitioning to the next consonant (e.g., 'hot today').
• 😀 A 'stop' occurs when the air is held briefly before releasing into the next sound, as demonstrated in 'bad dog' and 'peanut butter'.
• 😀 It’s important not to release the stop consonant fully, but to hold the air, especially when linking stop consonants.
• 😀 Linking consonant-to-consonant sounds is crucial to smooth transitions, especially in phrases like 'flip phone' and 'tough one'.
• 😀 When linking different consonants, practice isolating and slowly connecting them before speeding up (e.g., 'ff' to 'ww' in 'tough one').
• 😀 Linking helps in achieving a more natural American English rhythm, making your speech sound more fluid and less robotic.
• 😀 Use practical exercises to master consonant-to-consonant linking by practicing with common phrases and gradually speeding up.

Q & A

What is the importance of linking consonant to consonant in American English?

Linking consonant to consonant helps create smoother and more fluid speech, making it sound less choppy and more natural. It’s essential for sounding more like a native speaker of American English.

What happens when you break between each word in American English?

Breaking between each word creates a choppy, disconnected sound, which is unnatural in fluent American English. Linking words together avoids this issue and results in smoother speech.

Can you explain the difference between linking vowel to vowel and consonant to consonant?

In linking vowel to vowel, the transition is made from one vowel sound to another, whereas in consonant to consonant linking, the focus is on how consonants are connected, which often involves changes in articulation and sometimes stopping airflow momentarily.

What are some examples of linking the same consonant together?

Examples include 'gas station' (linking two S sounds into one) and 'some might' (linking the M sound between both words). These are cases where the same consonant is repeated across two words.

How does linking stop consonants like t, d, p, b, k, and g work?

When stop consonants are used between words, the air is momentarily stopped before being released into the next word. This creates a smooth transition, such as in 'hot today' or 'bad dog,' where the airflow is briefly paused.

What is the process of linking stop consonants to other consonants?

When a stop consonant links to another consonant, the airflow is temporarily stopped. For example, in 'peanut butter,' the T sound is held before transitioning into the B sound, making the speech sound smooth without extra vowels.

What is an example of a linking issue that some learners face?

Some learners mistakenly add a schwa sound between words when linking stop consonants, such as in 'hot-uh-sauce' instead of simply 'hot sauce.' This happens when the stop consonant is not properly linked to the next consonant.

How should you practice linking consonant to consonant?

To practice, isolate the consonants in question, practice them slowly, then link them together more quickly. Focus on the transition between sounds, and incorporate them back into full sentences for natural flow.

What is the key to mastering consonant-to-consonant linking?

The key is consistent practice: isolating sounds, practicing them slowly, and gradually speeding them up while integrating them into full sentences. This helps build fluency and improve pronunciation.

How can you identify when consonant-to-consonant linking should occur in a sentence?

Look for cases where a consonant ends one word and the next word begins with a consonant. Assess whether the consonants are the same, if one is a stop consonant, or if they need to be linked smoothly without adding extra sounds.