What is meant by 'minimal pairs' in language learning? Give an example of minimal pairs.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the definition of 'minimal pairs' in the context of language learning and to provide an example. It is focusing on the differences in phonemes between words.
Answer
Minimal pairs are words differing by one sound, like 'bat' and 'back'.
Minimal pairs are pairs of words that differ by only one sound. An example of minimal pairs is 'bat' and 'back', which differ by the final sounds /t/ and /k/.
Answer for screen readers
Minimal pairs are pairs of words that differ by only one sound. An example of minimal pairs is 'bat' and 'back', which differ by the final sounds /t/ and /k/.
More Information
Minimal pairs are fundamental in phonetics and phonology for determining distinct phonemes in a language. They are often used in language teaching and speech therapy to help learners distinguish between similar-sounding phonemes.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing words that differ by more than one sound or focusing on spelling differences instead of phonetic differences.
Sources
- Definition and Teaching Tips - Twinkl - twinkl.com
- 50+ English Minimal Pair Examples for Pronunciation Practice - Preply - preply.com
- Minimal pair - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org