Liaisons in Phonetics

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of linking in connected speech?

  • To separate words for clarity
  • To change the meaning of words
  • To emphasize each word distinctly
  • To create a more fluid transition between words (correct)

When does elision occur in connected speech?

  • When consonants are stretched for clarity
  • When adjacent words are pronounced in a similar manner
  • When a sound is dropped from a word to simplify transitions (correct)
  • When sounds are exaggerated for effect

Which of the following pairs demonstrates linking with /j/?

  • Go on
  • I am
  • See it
  • I agree (correct)

What phonetic change occurs in the phrase 'in that book' as an example of assimilation?

<p>The /t/ sound changes to a /b/ sound (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which situation describes when linking /w/ occurs?

<p>When a word ends in /u:/ or /oʊ/ and is followed by a vowel sound (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does flapping function in American English connected speech?

<p>It occurs within words rather than between them (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the role of contractions in connected speech?

<p>They are a form of reduction that makes speech faster (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are liaisons more common in informal speech?

<p>They help maintain a natural rhythm and musicality (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of liaisons in phonetics?

<p>To create a more natural and fluid flow of speech (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what situations are obligatory liaisons commonly used?

<p>When two vowels meet at word boundaries (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples illustrates the use of a glide in a liaison?

<p>/aɪ‿jəˈɡriː/ (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes optional liaisons from obligatory liaisons?

<p>They may depend on style or regional dialect (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a liaison occurring between a verb and a pronoun?

<p>/ɡɪv ɪt/ (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do liaisons have on language rhythm?

<p>They enhance the rhythm, making speech more musical (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In non-rhotic dialects, how is /r/ linking used?

<p>An /r/ sound is added only when a word ending in /r/ is followed by a vowel (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common context where liaisons occur?

<p>Between fixed phrases and idiomatic expressions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Liaisons in Phonetics

The connecting of words in fluent speech, where the final consonant of one word links to the initial vowel sound of the next.

Obligatory Liaison

Word combinations that always require a liaison, with no exceptions.

Optional Liaison

Word combinations where a liaison is sometimes used, but not always, depending on speaker style or dialect.

Liaison Context (Noun Phrases)

Liaisons commonly happen between adjectives and nouns, and determiners and nouns.

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Liaison Context (Verb Phrases)

Liaisons connect verbs to following pronouns or small words.

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Liaison Context (Idiomatic Expressions)

Liaisons are also found in phrases and idioms for natural flow.

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Consonant-to-Vowel Liaison

When a word ends in a consonant and the next word starts with a vowel, a liaison often occurs..

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Vowel-to-Vowel Liaison (Glides)

A linking sound (/w/ or /j/) is often used if one word ends in a vowel sound and the next word also starts with a vowel sound to smooth the transition.

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Linking sounds (liaisons)

Connecting words by adding sounds to make speech smoother and more natural.

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Linking /j/

Adding a /y/ sound when a word ends in a high front vowel sound and the next word begins with a vowel sound.

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Linking /w/

Adding a /w/ sound when a word ends in /u:/ or /o/ and the next word begins with a vowel sound

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Elision

Dropping a sound to make speech smoother.

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Assimilation

Changing a sound to make speech smoother, often by changing one sound to match a following sound.

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Flapping

Replacing a consonant sound with a softer sound, usually in the middle of a word (common in American English).

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Contractions

Shortening words by combining them, for example, 'I am' to 'I'm'.

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Connected Speech

The way sounds connect and change when we talk.

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Rhythm and Intonation

The pattern of sounds and emphasis in speech that helps to give language its musicality.

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Listener Comprehension

The ability of a listener to understand what is being said.

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Colloquial Usage

Informal conversation style.

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Study Notes

Liaisons in Phonetics

  • Liaisons are a key aspect of phonetics, where words connect during fluid speech.
  • This phenomenon involves the connection of sounds across words.
  • Understanding liaisons is crucial for language learners looking to improve natural speech.

What are Liaisons?

  • Sound Connections: The final consonant of one word connects to the initial vowel sound of the next word.
  • Fluid Speech: This links words together to create a more natural and fluent flow rather than abrupt breaks between words.
  • Enhancing Rhythm: Liaisons affect the rhythm and music of a language, making it sound smoother and more natural.

Contexts for Liaisons

  • Noun Phrases: Liaisons frequently occur between adjectives and nouns, as well as determiners and nouns.
  • Verb Phrases: They connect verbs to pronouns or other small words that follow them.
  • Idiomatic Expressions: These fixed phrases and idioms frequently rely on liaisons to keep their natural flow.

Patterns

  • Between Determiners and Nouns: Examples are "an apple".
  • Between Adjectives and Nouns: "Red apple" provides an example.
  • Verb + Pronoun / Verb + Preposition: Specific examples involving these combinations are shown.

Obligatory vs. Optional Liaisons

  • Obligatory: certain word combinations absolutely require a liaison.
  • Optional: in some cases, using a liaison is possible but isn't mandatory, depending on style or regional dialect.
  • Avoidance: liaisons can sometimes be avoided, particularly in formal or careful speech.

Obligatory, Optional and Avoidance

  • Consonant to Vowel: One word ending in a consonant followed by a vowel.
  • Vowel to Vowel: One word ending in a vowel, followed by another vowel. Smooth transitions within vowel sounds are present.
  • Linking: /r/ linking, linking with glides such as /w/ or /j/.

Liaisons and Connected Speech

  • Linking Sounds: Liaisons connect words for smoother flow between words.
  • Rhythm and Intonation: Liaisons help create a language's natural flow and rhythm.
  • Colloquial Usage: Liaisons are more common in casual conversations than formal speech.
  • Listener Comprehension: Improving ability to understand speech using liaisons can be key.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

  • Sound Connections: Liaisons link words for more fluid speech flow.
  • Rhythmic Contribution: Liaisons add rhythm and musicality to a language.
  • Implications for Learners: Mastering liaisons boosts comprehension and fluent language use.

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