Connected Speech: American English

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Questions and Answers

What is one common reduction noted in the phrase 'we're going to have to'?

We're gonna have to (correct)

We are Gonna

We are gonna have to

We have to

How is the phrase 'get an Uber' pronounced in rapid speech?

Gat’n Uber

Get in Uber (correct)

Get an Uber

Get'n Uber

What is a strategy suggested to improve pronunciation in speech?

Using muscle memory and practice (correct)

Avoiding linked speech

Focus solely on vocabulary

Increasing vocabulary size

What sound reduction can occur in 'I’m going to' as mentioned?

I’m gonna Signup and view all the answers

What is a common mispronunciation of 'one on the app' in fluent speech?

Won un the app Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence structure is mentioned for maintaining clarity in speech?

Using thought groups Signup and view all the answers

What phonetic change happens in words like 'find' and 'mind'?

Elision of the final consonant sounds Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following phrases demonstrates a common reduction fully?

I’m gonna buy Signup and view all the answers

What is implied when people often hear 'I'mna' in conversation?

They are hearing a vowel link Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of pronunciation is emphasized in conjunction with muscle memory?

Tongue and mouth coordination Signup and view all the answers

What does the flap T pronunciation refer to in American English?

Reducing the T sound Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'make it on time' in context?

To ensure prompt arrival Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested to help with listening comprehension?

Recognizing reduced forms like 'I'm gonna' Signup and view all the answers

When spoken quickly, how might 'if we want to' be heard?

If we wanna Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of speech does the content primarily focus on?

Fast speech and connected speech Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'what's up with the bus' imply?

A request for an explanation regarding the bus's delay Signup and view all the answers

What is coarticulation as described in the content?

The overlap of sounds during pronunciation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a feature of fast speech mentioned in the content?

Pronouncing continuous verbs with a dropped 'g' Signup and view all the answers

What is a glottal 't' as explained in the content?

The sound made by stopping airflow Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker recommend for improving listening comprehension?

Practicing sentences out loud Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase indicates an informal American English style?

What's up with the bus? Signup and view all the answers

In fast speech, what may happen to the 'g' in the word 'waiting'?

It may be dropped altogether Signup and view all the answers

How does the content suggest that connected speech affects listener comprehension?

It helps listeners grasp phrases better Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by dropping the 'g' at the end of words like 'taking'?

A common feature in American English Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of linking in fast speech?

To join adjacent sounds smoothly Signup and view all the answers

What goal does the speaker suggest should not be pursued regarding speech?

Speaking rapidly at all times Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a transition in coarticulation discussed?

The final consonant connecting to the next vowel sound Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the lesson as indicated by the speaker?

To enhance listening comprehension Signup and view all the answers

What is a synonym for the phrase 'I'm gonna' as used in the context of the passage?

I am going to Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the lesson discussed in the content?

Practicing listening comprehension Signup and view all the answers

Why might the speaker suggest using an Uber?

They need to get to their destination on time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options best represents a method emphasized to improve fluency?

Practicing speaking aloud Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker suggest students do while watching movies or TV shows?

Enhance their listening skills. Signup and view all the answers

What type of speech is the content primarily dealing with?

Fast, casual conversation Signup and view all the answers

How does the speaker suggest to practice the sentences effectively?

By repeating them aloud. Signup and view all the answers

What might be a common misconception about 'I'm gonna'?

It is used in formal writing. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the speed of speech in casual conversation?

It can be fast and challenging to follow. Signup and view all the answers

What is one way the speaker encourages engagement during the lesson?

By prompting them to comment on their practice. Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker hope to achieve by demonstrating different speeds of speech?

To enhance comprehension of rapid speech. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Uber is emphasized in the passage?

It operates similarly to taxis in many places. Signup and view all the answers

Which key term is repeatedly mentioned as part of conversational practice?

Speaking fluency Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains 'reductions' mentioned in the content?

Shortening phrases in casual speech. Signup and view all the answers

What does the expression 'it's your call' imply?

You should make the decision. Signup and view all the answers

Which sound change is indicated by the flap T?

A soft D sound occurs when T is between two vowels. Signup and view all the answers

What does assimilation refer to in speech?

Two sounds blending together to create a new sound. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'linking' in spoken English?

Connecting the final consonant sound of one word to the vowel sound of the next. Signup and view all the answers

In the phrase 'consider other options', how are the sounds linked?

The R sound of 'consider' connects to the O sound of 'other'. Signup and view all the answers

How can practicing connecting speech improve fluency?

It helps create smoother transitions between words. Signup and view all the answers

When practicing the phrase 'what's up with the bus', what aspect should students focus on?

The rhythm and flow of the phrase. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common informal expression to suggest alternatives?

I think we may want to consider other options. Signup and view all the answers

What sound is often produced when a T is flapped?

A soft D sound. Signup and view all the answers

What should students do to practice phrases effectively?

Practice speaking out loud and participate actively. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following phrases includes the flap T?

But I think we may want to consider. Signup and view all the answers

Why might sentences sound like one long word in fluent speech?

Because words are linked together without clear separation. Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase would demonstrate poor rhythm when pronounced?

The cake is on the table. Signup and view all the answers

What can hinder understanding when someone is learning the language?

Linking sounds together too naturally. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Connected Speech: It’s Not Just “Fast Talking”

Connected speech refers to the way sounds and words are linked together in natural, fluent speech.
It involves various techniques like linking, assimilation, and reduction.
Connected speech makes American English sound fast by:
- Blending sounds together, especially at the ends of words.
- Dropping or reducing certain sounds.
- Using a "flap t" sound (a softer "d") between vowels, also known as alveolar tap.

Examples of Connected Speech in the Transcript:

Linking:
- "what's up" to "with the bus"
- "waiting around" to "it's your call"
- "consider" to "other" to "options"
Assimilation:
- “it's your call” is often reduced to “it’s your call” by blending sounds.
Reduction:
- “what's up with” is used to express confusion or seeking explanation.
- "gonna" is commonly used for "going to."
- "wanna" for "want to."
- "gotta" is often used for "got to."
Dropping or Reducing Sounds:
- The "g" in "ing" at the ends of words often gets dropped in American English.
- The "d" in some words with "nd" endings often gets dropped or reduced.
Flap T:
- Used between vowel sounds, like in "but I" or "make it." It sounds like a soft "d."
Glottal Stop:
- Use of a glottal stop occurs when the voiced t sound is replaced with a glottal stop, often found in words like “waiting,” “mitten,” and “kitten."
Weak Forms:
- Some articles (like "the") have weak forms (like “the” or “thee”) that are common in casual speech, especially when surrounded by vowels.

Practicing Connected Speech

The speaker encourages viewers to practice saying the sentences out loud.
The speaker wants viewers to notice how the individual words blend together, and use these techniques when speaking.
Practicing shadowing (repeating after the speaker) can help with learning connected speech.

Uber

Uber is a ride-sharing service
Uber services are available in many countries, including the United States and Europe
You can order a ride through the Uber mobile app

Listening Comprehension

The speaker discusses the importance of listening comprehension for understanding everyday conversation
The speaker highlights how casual conversations often involve sound blending and reduction, which can make it challenging to understand
The speaker emphasizes the value of exposure to fast-paced conversations through movies, TV shows, and similar media to improve listening comprehension

Learning English

The speaker encourages viewers to practice their speaking skills by repeating the conversation examples provided
The speaker suggests that engaging with fast speech lessons can help learners improve their listening comprehension, particularly for those learning American English
The speaker encourages viewers to like the video to provide feedback and motivate future content creation

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of connected speech in American English, focusing on techniques such as linking, assimilation, and reduction. Understand how sounds and words connect during fluent speech to enhance communication. Test your knowledge on examples and methods that make American English sound more natural.