Podcast
Questions and Answers
In French, the final -s in plural nouns is usually __________ pronounced.
In French, the final -s in plural nouns is usually __________ pronounced.
not
The word les in les exercices is pronounced with a liaison, making the pronunciation [lay-zehg-zehR-sees].
The word les in les exercices is pronounced with a liaison, making the pronunciation [lay-zehg-zehR-sees].
True (A)
Which of the following sentences correctly uses a liaison?
Which of the following sentences correctly uses a liaison?
- les tudiants \[lay ay-tU-dyAn\]
- les hommes \[lay-zuhm\] (correct)
- les hros \[lay ay-Roh\]
- les hpitaux \[lay o-pi-toh\]
What is the rule for pronouncing the liaison of 'les' when followed by a vowel sound?
What is the rule for pronouncing the liaison of 'les' when followed by a vowel sound?
The word hors-d'uvre is invariable in the plural and does not change its pronunciation.
The word hors-d'uvre is invariable in the plural and does not change its pronunciation.
Match the following phrases with their correct pronunciation:
Match the following phrases with their correct pronunciation:
Which factor prevents a liaison from occurring with the plural article 'les'?
Which factor prevents a liaison from occurring with the plural article 'les'?
The phrase les amis demonstrates a liaison, where the 's' in 'les' is pronounced as a __________ sound.
The phrase les amis demonstrates a liaison, where the 's' in 'les' is pronounced as a __________ sound.
Explain why there is no liaison in the phrase les hros.
Explain why there is no liaison in the phrase les hros.
In the phrase les petits enfants, the final 's' in petits is pronounced.
In the phrase les petits enfants, the final 's' in petits is pronounced.
Which of the following phrases demonstrates the correct pronunciation of a liaison involving 'des'?
Which of the following phrases demonstrates the correct pronunciation of a liaison involving 'des'?
When 'les' precedes a word starting with a mute 'h', like in les hommes, the 's' in 'les' becomes a ______ sound due to liaison.
When 'les' precedes a word starting with a mute 'h', like in les hommes, the 's' in 'les' becomes a ______ sound due to liaison.
Describe the difference in pronunciation between le and les in spoken French, and how this distinction helps differentiate singular and plural nouns.
Describe the difference in pronunciation between le and les in spoken French, and how this distinction helps differentiate singular and plural nouns.
Words borrowed from other languages into French always follow the standard French rules for pluralization and liaison.
Words borrowed from other languages into French always follow the standard French rules for pluralization and liaison.
Match the following French phrases with the reason why liaison does or does not occur:
Match the following French phrases with the reason why liaison does or does not occur:
Which statement accurately describes the interaction between liaison and nasal vowels in French?
Which statement accurately describes the interaction between liaison and nasal vowels in French?
In the complex scenario where 'les' precedes a noun starting with a mute 'h' and which is also a loanword, the occurrence of liaison is often ______ due to varying assimilation levels.
In the complex scenario where 'les' precedes a noun starting with a mute 'h' and which is also a loanword, the occurrence of liaison is often ______ due to varying assimilation levels.
Beyond the basics of aspirate 'h', what other historical or regional phonetic factors might influence whether a liaison is applied in contemporary spoken French after the plural article 'les'?
Beyond the basics of aspirate 'h', what other historical or regional phonetic factors might influence whether a liaison is applied in contemporary spoken French after the plural article 'les'?
Native French speakers uniformly and consistently apply liaison rules in all spoken contexts, regardless of register or formality.
Native French speakers uniformly and consistently apply liaison rules in all spoken contexts, regardless of register or formality.
Match the influence level on liaison with the linguistic feature:
- Strong Influence
- Moderate Influence
- Weak Influence
Match the influence level on liaison with the linguistic feature:
- Strong Influence
- Moderate Influence
- Weak Influence
Flashcards
Silent Plural '-s'
Silent Plural '-s'
In French, the final '-s' in plural nouns and articles is generally not pronounced.
Singular vs. Plural Sound
Singular vs. Plural Sound
Singular and plural nouns are often distinguished by the pronunciation of the definite article (le vs. les).
Liaison with 'les'/'des'
Liaison with 'les'/'des'
The '-s' of 'les' or 'des' is pronounced (as [z]) when followed by a vowel sound, creating a liaison.
Aspirate 'h' Exception
Aspirate 'h' Exception
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Invariable Plurals
Invariable Plurals
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Liaison Definition
Liaison Definition
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Study Notes
- The final "-s" in French plural nouns and articles is generally silent.
- Plural and singular nouns are distinguished by the pronunciation of the definite article.
- le touriste is pronounced [luh too-Reest], while les touristes is pronounced [lay too-Reest].
- Liaison occurs when the "-s" of les or des is followed by a vowel sound.
- During liaison, the "-s" is pronounced [z] and starts the next syllable.
- Examples: les exercices [lay-zehg-zehR-sees], des hommes [day-zuhm].
- Aspirate 'h' prevents liaison.
- Examples: un héros [In ay-Roh], les héros [lay ay-Roh].
- Some words, like les hors-d’œuvre, are invariable in the plural, with no final "-s" pronounced.
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