Lesson
Understanding how words are connected will not only make you sound more natural, but will also help you understand native speakers better. I would say that this isn't only an English language feature, but this pretty much happens in most languages. If it weren't that way, we would rather sound like robots.
What is special about the way words are connected in English is, that while doing that a lot of the connecting sounds (at the end of the previous and beginning of next word) tend to either , sort of , fade away or change into a softer sound.
- Connecting a consonant with a vowel (including semivowels W, Y and R)
a beautiful actress (a-beautifu-lactress) - Connecting consonants produced from a similar position in the mouth (lips, teeth, throat).
You have to stop being so touchy. [stoBBeen]
Do you have a lot of friends? [o’frends]
I was surprised to hear that. [waSSurpriseTTohear]
I just didn't know [jussdidn't ] - Connecting vowel with a vowel
Depending on the position of the lips, vowels are connected with a glide [w] or [y], that goes in between the two words.
Go away. [go(w)away]
I also know him. [äi(y)älso]
Give me the other one. [Give me the(y)other one]
- Connecting Y
The combination of T, D, S or Z + Y forces a change in a pronunciation, which if not aware of, will make you wonder what is actually being said. Especially if you 're learning English mainly through reading and you're not so experienced in speaking and listening to English.
T + Y = CH - Don't you understand? [Donchoo ]
D + Y = J - Did you know that? [Didja know that?]
S + Y = SH - Cross your fingers [krosher fingers]
Z + Y = ZH - How's your friend doing? [howzher friend doing?]
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