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What is the purpose of liaison in French pronunciation?
What is the purpose of liaison in French pronunciation?
Liaisons refer to the pronunciation practice of connecting a consonant at the end of one word to the beginning vowel sound of the next word.
Give two examples of short adverbs that require a compulsory liaison when followed by a word starting with a vowel.
Give two examples of short adverbs that require a compulsory liaison when followed by a word starting with a vowel.
Très (very much) and bien (well).
When do determiners like articles, numbers, and possessive pronouns require a liaison?
When do determiners like articles, numbers, and possessive pronouns require a liaison?
When they precede a noun that starts with a vowel.
Is the word 'et' (and) allowed to form a liaison with another word? If not, why?
Is the word 'et' (and) allowed to form a liaison with another word? If not, why?
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What are the two main categories of liaison rules discussed in the passage?
What are the two main categories of liaison rules discussed in the passage?
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In what situation do liaisons typically occur in French?
In what situation do liaisons typically occur in French?
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Provide an example of a determiner that would require a liaison before a noun starting with a vowel.
Provide an example of a determiner that would require a liaison before a noun starting with a vowel.
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Why are liaisons considered challenging for non-native French speakers?
Why are liaisons considered challenging for non-native French speakers?
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What is the purpose of prohibiting certain liaisons in French?
What is the purpose of prohibiting certain liaisons in French?
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Give an example of a specific idiomatic expression where the word 'et' is allowed to form a liaison.
Give an example of a specific idiomatic expression where the word 'et' is allowed to form a liaison.
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Study Notes
French Liaison Rules: Letters of Compulsory and Prohibited Liaison
In French, liaisons refer to the pronunciation practice whereby a consonant at the end of one word is connected to the beginning sound of the next word using an elision. These rules apply mostly when a word ending in a consonant is followed by a word that starts with a vowel or a silent h, known as h muet. They play a crucial role in creating the unique sound of French and can make pronunciation more challenging for non-native speakers.
Compulsory Liaisons
According to the French Together website, there are several rules governing when liaisons are compulsory in French:
Certain short adverbs are followed by a word that starts with a vowel.
Common short adverbs requiring liaison include très (be, very much; bien, well; moins and plus (less and more).
A determiner precedes a noun that starts with a vowel.
Determiners such as the definite and indefinite articles, numbers, and possessive pronouns require a liaison when proceeded by a noun whose first letter is a vowel.
Prohibited Liaisons
There are also situations where a liaison is forbidden due to various phonetic and grammatical reasons. Some of these prohibitions include:
Using et et.
Although it sounds similar to est (is), et (and) is never allowed to form a liaison with another word unless it appears in a specific idiomatic expression.
A proper name ends in a consonant and is followed by a word that starts with a vowel.
For example, while Il ira, but not Jacques ira.
A number is used as a noun.
Numbers as nouns generally do not undergo liaison, except in certain cases such as ordinal numbers.
A subject that's not a pronoun is followed by a verb.
While verbs conjugated with tu and ending in an (s) in the present, subjunctive, or imperative tenses require a liaison with a pronoun subject, if the subject is just a regular noun or name, no liaison is made.
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Description
Learn about the pronunciation practice of French liaisons, where a consonant at the end of one word connects with the beginning sound of the next word. Understand the rules governing compulsory liaisons with short adverbs and determiners, as well as the situations where liaisons are prohibited in French.
