Paired consonants in English table. Consonant Sounds in English (Voiced and Voiceless)

When pronouncing consonant sounds, the air encounters various obstacles on its way, formed by the active organs of speech: tongue, lips, teeth and alveoli.

Consonant sounds of English

If the organs of speech close so that they completely block the passage for air, then we pronounce a stop consonant. Such consonants are also called explosive, because when the speech organs open, a small explosion is heard. The stop plosive sounds include Russian consonants [p, b, t, d, k, g] and English [p, b, t, d, k, g].

If air passes out through the nasal cavity, then such closing sounds are called nasal. Examples of nasal stops are Russian [n, m] and English [n, m, ŋ].

If the organs of speech do not close completely, but leave a narrow passage - a gap for air, then we pronounce slotted consonant. In Russian, fricative sounds are [s, z, f, v, sh, zh, l], in English fricative consonants [θ, ð, ʃ, ʒ, s, z, h, f, v, w, r, j, l]. Among the consonants there are octopus-frictional sounds. They are called so because the opening of the barrier occurs slowly; the complete obstruction becomes a gap. In Russian these are sounds [ts, ch], and in English [tʃ, dʒ].

An obstacle to the path of exhaled air can be formed by various speech organs. If the lower lip gets closer to the upper lip, then labiolabial consonants. In Russian these are sounds [p, m], in English [p, m, w]. If the lower lip touches the upper teeth, then such consonants are called labiodental. In Russian these are sounds [f, v], in English - [f, v].

If the tip of the tongue is between the lower and upper front teeth, then it is pronounced interdental consonant sound: [θ, ð].

Russian consonants [t, d, n, l, s, z] are dental, since the end of the tongue rises to the inner surface of the upper teeth. English consonants [t, d, l, s, z] are alveolar, as the tip of the tongue touches or rises to the alveoli.

Based on the functioning of the vocal cords, voiceless and voiced consonants are distinguished. When spoken deaf consonants, the glottis is open and the exhaled air passes through the larynx silently. At voiced consonants, the vocal cords are close and tense. The exhaled air causes them to vibrate, resulting in a ringing consonant sound. In Russian, the sounds: [b, v, g, d, zh, z, l, m, n, r, c] are voiced consonants, and the sounds: [k, p, s, t, f, x, ch, sh, sh] - voiceless consonants. In English to ringing sounds include: [b, v, g, d, z, l, m, n, r], for the deaf - [k, p, s, t, f, tʃ, ʃ, θ, h].

Vowel sounds of English

To classify vowel sounds, we consider various provisions tongue relative to the hard palate, as well as what part of the tongue is involved in articulation and how high the back of the tongue rises to the hard palate.

Distinguish between vowels front row when the tip of the tongue rests against the base of the lower teeth, and the back of the tongue comes quite close to the hard palate: English vowel [i:] and Russian [and].

If the tongue is pulled back and the tip of the tongue is lowered, and the back of the tongue is raised towards the soft palate, we pronounce vowels back row: English sound [a:] and Russian sounds [o] and [u].

By the position of the lips, rounded and unrounded vowel sounds are distinguished. For example, when pronouncing the Russian sound [у], the lips are rounded and moved forward: [у] is ruined vowel When pronouncing [ and ], the lips are slightly stretched, but not pushed forward: vowel [ and ] - unrounded vowel.

The quality of the vowel depends on the tension of the muscles of the speech organs: the more tense the articulation, the clearer and brighter the sound. Accordingly, tense and unstressed vowels are distinguished. For example, the English vowel [i:] is pronounced with more stress than [i].

We continue to study the phonetics of the English language. English voiceless consonants, compared to voiced consonants, have a more intense pronunciation. During their articulation, the vocal cords do not create vibration, and the acoustic effect is achieved through vigorous, intense exhalation of air.

Among the consonant sounds in the English language, there are 6 pairs, which consist of voiced and voiceless phonemes, respectively. These are the so-called paired consonant sounds: [b] - [p], [d] - [t], [v] - [f], [g] - [k], [z] - [s], [G] - [C]. But there are, of course, other voiceless consonants, the pronunciation of which is studied in this article.

There are 8 unvoiced sounds in English - , three of which are considered explosive , these phonemes are pronounced with aspiration (aspiration). Aspiration- a sound effect in the form of a small exhalation of a stream of air. Aspiration occurs at the moment of rapid opening of the barrier (teeth and/or lips).

Russian speech is characterized by a slow opening, while English speech is characterized by an instantaneous, sharp, energetic opening. A fast stream of air escapes not from the oral cavity, but directly from the lungs, creating the desired noise. As a result, between the final voiceless plosive consonant and the beginning of the subsequent vowel phoneme, a certain exhalation is heard. This is aspiration or aspiration.

To practice pronouncing aspirated phonemes, you need to hold a sheet of paper at mouth level while pronouncing them. It must deviate significantly. Aspiration is most pronounced before long stressed vowels.

Thus, we can distinguish two features of English consonants:

• Strength of articulation, thanks to this characteristic we recognize voiced and unvoiced sounds
• Aspiration, which is characteristic of the pronunciation of plosive phonemes

Now let's move on to watching the video to learn how to pronounce them correctly.

Video on how to correctly pronounce voiceless consonants

Watch the video carefully and repeat after the teacher to learn how to pronounce voiceless consonants. Read text clues.

[p]

It differs from the Russian “p” in noise, that is, it is pronounced with an exhalation (explosive). Expressed with double or single “p” when writing:

• p - drop
• p - pond
• pp - puppy

[t]

This is also an explosive sound, which fundamentally distinguishes it from our “t”. To pronounce it, you need to put your tongue in a position as if you were saying “t”, but at the same time do not use the vocal cords, but make a noise exhalation. As you read, you may come across the following options:

• tt - letter
• t - time

No, this is not a Russian “ch”, it is rather the same “t”, just not clear. It is indicated when writing by the following combinations:

• tua - virtually
• ture - culture
• ch-chop
• tion - question
• tch - witch

[k]

Again an explosive sound, which is very far from our “k”. When pronouncing it, create a barrier to the air flow that will come straight from the lungs. When written, they are conveyed using the following letters and letter combinations:

• k - make
• c - cloth
• q - bouquet
• ch - chemist
• ck - flock

[f]

And here, finally, it corresponds to our “f”. Expressed through:

• f - fine
• gh - tough
• ph - phrase

[θ]

What kind of scribbles are these? - you ask. And this is one of the most difficult English sounds. When pronouncing it, you need to try to say “s” while holding your tongue with your teeth. Moreover, the lips should not participate in its formation. The result should be something between “s” and “f”. Denoted by “th”:

• th - loath
• th - thankful

[s]

And again, a little relief - matching the Russian “s”. Expressed in writing using the following letter formations:

• c-trace
• s - case
• ss - essay

[ʃ]

Crocus again?! This sound is the pronunciation of the middle “sh” and “sch”, more similar to the softened “sh”. It sounds like the hiss of a snake. Graphically indicated by:

• ss-issue
• sh - shelter
• cia - special
• tion - mention
• sion - mission

That's all! Everything is very simple! Thanks to the training video you have a great opportunity observe the position of the teacher’s articulatory organs and exactly repeat after him.

Many consonant sounds, depending on the participation of the vocal cords (with the same articulation), form pairs: voiceless consonant - media.

Compare: chalk-mel, horse-horse, weight-all.

In English final voiced For example: bad - bad, but: bat - bat,had - had, but: hat hat - hat.

Final voiceless consonants in English are pronounced much more energetically and clearly than in Russian. In addition, the vowels preceding them are noticeably shorter than those preceding the corresponding voiced consonants. Compare: bid-bit, sat-sad, hat-had.

for example: tell- miller - ["mılə], hill-.

The difference between voiceless and voiced consonants

Many consonants are opposed to each other by the functioning of the vocal cords, forming pairs: voiceless consonant - media. With the same articulation, a voiced consonant differs from the corresponding voiceless one only in that when it is pronounced, the vocal cords vibrate. Compare Russian: p-b, k-g, f-v, t-d, s-z; English:[p] - [b] , [k] - [g] , [θ] - [ð] , [ʃ] - [ʒ]

Firm pronunciation of English consonants

In Russian, most consonants have two pronunciations: soft and hard. This difference in the pronunciation of consonants is of a word-distinguishing nature. for example: mel-mel, horse-horse, weight-all. In English, consonants are not softened; they are always pronounced firmly.

English voiced consonants at the end of words

In Russian, voiced consonants at the end of a word are usually voiced, and this does not lead to a change in the meaning of the word. For example: club, ditch In English final voiced Consonants cannot be deafened, because this leads to a change in the meaning of the word. For example: bad - bad, but: bat - bat, had - had, but: hat - hat.

Reading English double consonants

Unlike the Russian language, where doubling a consonant is reflected in pronunciation by lengthening the corresponding consonant sound (namely, assent, double), in English double consonants indicate only one sound, For example: tell-, miller - ["mılə], hill-.

English consonants b, f, k, m, p, v, z

English consonant letters b, f, k, m, p, v, z correspond to Russian letters b, f, k, m, p, v, z, but are pronounced more energetically, which is achieved by some tension of the lips for [b], [m ] ,[f] ,[v] and language for [z] and [k] . English [p] and [k] are pronounced aspirated. For example: pip, bin, pen, kin, zip, fill, pep, kill, mill,

English consonants d, l, n, t

English consonants d, l, n, t correspond to Russian d, l, n, t, but when pronouncing English d, l, n, t, the tip of the tongue should be kept on the alveoli (tubercles above the upper teeth). English [t] and [d] are pronounced much more energetically than Russian ones, and are accompanied by aspiration. Between the tip of the tongue and the alveoli there is a closure followed by a rapid explosion. English [l] is pronounced softer than in the word onion, but firmer than in words Luke, and does not soften to (l), as in the word stranded. For example: lift, ten, ted, lem, telt, tem, dim, dem, let, ted, tit, ned, net, tell, kid, end, bit, set

English consonant letter h

The English consonant letter h corresponds to the Russian letter x, but unlike it, it conveys only a light, almost silent exhalation. The tongue does not have a special structure and takes the position necessary to pronounce the next vowel. For example: hill, hit, hint, hen, hem, help, held, him, hell.

English consonant letter r

The English consonant letter r corresponds to the Russian letter r, but unlike it, it conveys a sound that does not vibrate. When pronouncing the English sound [r], the tip of the tongue is strongly bent back and motionless. Between the edges of the tip of the tongue and its lower side, partially facing the hard palate, a gap is formed through which an air stream passes. For example: rid, rest, dress, brisk, trip, risk, rib, grim, grip, red

English consonant letter s

The letter s conveys the sounds [s] and [z], corresponding to Russian [С], in words garden, hall Two sound meanings must be distinguished English letter s:

English letter s reflects

1. voiceless consonant [s]:
   1. at the beginning of words - send
   2. at the end of words after voiceless sounds, s will be pronounced as a voiceless consonant, because the previous consonant deafens it. For example: lists ,sleeps,pits
   3. before a consonant - test ,best
2. [z]
   1. at the end of words after vowels and voiced consonants
   2. between two vowels visit

3. double s (ss) reflects the unvoiced sound [s].

English consonant letter w

There is no similar letter in the Russian language. At the beginning of a word, the letter w reflects the sound [w], a sonant (semi-vowel sound), which is absent in the Russian language. This is a labiolabial sound produced by the work of both lips when the vocal cords vibrate. Tense lips move forward, strongly round, then the corners of the mouth quickly and energetically move apart, approximately as is done when pronouncing the Russian [у] in the combination “ua”.

English consonant letter j

There is no similar letter in the Russian language. It denotes a double sound, reminiscent of the sound [j] in the words jumper, horseman. This letter occurs only before a vowel. For example: jam, jump, July gentle, object [ɒbdʒıkt], geology, Jane

Two sound meanings of the English letters c and g

1. Before the letters e, i, y, the letters c and g reflect the sounds [s] and, respectively

   For example: place , face , ice , city ["sıtı] ,gin , page , gym

2. in all other cases, the letters c and g reflect the sounds [k] and [g], respectively

   For example: cap, clean, game, bag

Sound meanings of an English letter X

1. before consonants and at the end of words as a sound combination (pronounced dullly like the consonance [ks] in the words box, bill.)

   for example: text, six,fixes, vex, next

2. the letter x is pronounced voiced when it is between two vowels before a stressed syllable. This sound resembles the sound of [gz] when pronouncing a phrase together step by step.

   for example: exist [ıg"zıst] , exact [ıg"zækt] , exam [ıg"zæm]

3. in words Greek origin x at the beginning of a word is pronounced [z]. In Russian, these words begin with the sound [ks].

   for example: xenon ["zenan], xerox ["zıərɒks], xiphoid ["zıfɒıd], xylose ["zaıləʋs]

Sound meaning of English letter combinations ci (si, ti)

Note. If there is a vowel before -sion, then this combination conveys the sound [ʒən], for example: explosion [ıks"pləʋʒən], erosion [ı"rəʋʒən], conclusion, revision.

Digraph gh

1. The English letter combination gh is found in words of Germanic origin. It should be remembered that in English the digraph gh in the middle of a word does not sound, and the vowel letter i in front of it is pronounced as a diphthong.
For example: light , might , right , night
2. in a few words, in final position the digraph gh reflects the sound [f].
For example: laugh , enough [ı"nʌf] , rough
3. the combination ought is pronounced [ɔ:t].
For example: ought [ɔ:t], bought, fought, brought
4. at the beginning of a word, gh reflects the sound [g].
For example ghost, ghetto ["getɒʋ], ghastly ["gɑ:stlı].

Hello to all caring teachers and parents!

As I promised, I’m posting signs on the rules for reading consonants in English ( The first part - the rules for reading vowels - is located). Each table is accompanied by an audio recording with dubbing, as well as a commentary on the rules.

Learn and teach with pleasure!

Reading consonants Cc-Gg-Rr-Ss

Comment on the table: Letter C can be read in two ways - and it all depends on which letter follows it. From the table it can be seen that before the vowels i, y, e it is read alphabetically. In other cases - like [k].

Letter G also has 2 reading options: as in the alphabet (before i, y, e) and as [g] - in all other cases. BUT! Here you need to draw the child's attention to exceptions, which are very popular words ( they go in the third column!). Their correct reading you just need to remember.

Letter R may or may not be read in words. And here we can derive the following pattern: in the initial position and in the position after the consonant it is read. In other cases, it is syllabic and is simply not pronounced - These are positions at the end of a word, before a silent e and before a consonant.

Letter S has 3 ways of reading in English. Like [s] - at the beginning of words, before consonants, after voiceless consonants at the end of words. Like [z] - in the position between vowels or after voiced consonants at the end of words. Like sizzling - in two words worth remembering.

Reading the consonants Ww-Hh-Kk

Comment on the table: Letter W may or may not be readable in English. Will be read - before various vowels(first column) and in combination with the letter h before various vowels except o(third column) . Will not be read - in initial position before the consonant r and in combination with the letter h before the vowel o (middle column).

Letter H read by most English words. But there are some exceptions (I listed them in the right column) that simply need to be remembered.

Letter K is also read in most English words. But the words in the right column (where it is not readable) are worth remembering.

Keep in mind that these reading rules are adapted for children, so they are truncated (for example, there are no rules for reading a combination of consonants, but I simply did not repeat them since I already mentioned them). But even such rules may seem complex and difficult for a child to remember.

My advice:

1. Learn the words from these tables - after all, I chose the most popular ones!
2. Just read more with your child!
3. Pass my . It's full bright pictures, is voiced, and can be downloaded and printed for convenience.

Practice. Letters Cc-Gg-Rr-Ss

Practice. Letters Ww-Hh-Kk

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