Voiced and unvoiced sounds in English. English consonants

The sound composition of the English language, as is known, involves division into two large groups: vowels (vowels) and consonants (consonants). There are slightly fewer vowels than consonants (20 to 24), and there are also more categories of consonants. Consonants in the English language have quite a few varieties, and the main classifications are given according to their sound and the characteristics of the functioning of the speech apparatus during their pronunciation. It is important to understand the features of this division in order to distinguish the pronunciation of consonant sounds in English from Russian and to understand what principles underlie the operation of the speech apparatus.

Features of consonants

If we compare consonants and vowels, it can be noted that vowels are mainly formed with the help of the voice, while consonant sounds in English are formed with the help of almost all organs of the speech apparatus, which include teeth, tongue, alveoli, lips.

To distinguish the pronunciation of a particular word, transcription is usually used, where specific designations of sounds are displayed, which should not be confused with letters.

As already mentioned, there are quite a few classifications of consonants, which are pronounced differently mainly due to the peculiarities of the arrangement of the elements of the speech apparatus and articulation. It is important to know these varieties and navigate them in order to pronounce the words as correctly and in English as possible.

Classification of consonants from the point of view of the use of the organs of the speech apparatus

The many types of consonants are due to different ways of their pronunciation, when parts of the structural apparatus become in certain positions.

Occlusive

Thus, stop sounds are popular. They are called that because by pronouncing them, the speaker blocks access to air. This type of consonants is also called stop-plosive, since their pronunciation is accompanied by a certain explosion and noise is created. This includes sounds such as . For example, the formation of the sound g is possible with the help of the tongue, which tenses and pushes in a peculiar way, and the lips are involved in the formation of b.

Slotted

If the closure of the organs is not complete, the resulting sounds will be called fricative. They are usually pronounced using the tongue ( [ð, θ ]) or lips ( ). The first examples are also called interdental sounds, since when they are pronounced, the tongue takes a position between the teeth.

Occlusion-slit

Special sounds are called closure-fissure sounds, where, as it becomes clear, the closure of the organs of the speech apparatus and pronunciation through the fissure occur simultaneously. These include some specific sounds that are not similar to Russian ones. For example, (j) or , which is consonant with the Russian part.

Nasals

Another type of consonant associated with closure is called transitive consonants. Some of the air passes through the oral cavity, but there is still a barrier. An example of such consonants is . These same sounds are called nasal consonants, as air passes through the nasal cavity.

Dental

A separate category is occupied by dental sounds, which in English are more often called alveolar sounds due to the principle of connecting the tongue with the corresponding organ of the speech apparatus. Examples – .

Labial

Some English consonant sounds are called labiolabial and labiodental consonants. So, when the upper and lower sounds come closer together, the first version of consonant is obtained ( ), and when the lower lips touch the upper teeth, the second type is obtained ( ).

Voiced and voiceless consonants

Voiced and voiceless consonants in English have a separate large classification. These varieties of consonants are assessed in terms of the functioning of the vocal cords. Voiced consonants in English are formed by tensing the larynx, and voiceless consonants are formed by relaxing the vocal cords. Voiced consonants ( b, m, n, d…) cause vibrations of the ligaments, and deaf ones ( s, k, t, h…) - No.

Some consonants are considered partially unpronounceable. For example, the sound r may not be taken into account, but as a separate element it is pronounced in a very unusual way: the tongue takes on the shape of a bowl, the edges of which rise to the back upper teeth. However, such a concept as unpronounceable consonants is still more typical for Russian than for English.

The following table will help you structure all the previously described groups:

Thus, the English language has quite a few varieties of consonants, which differ in pronunciation features and have different approaches to articulation and placement of elements of the speech apparatus. Orientation in these categories will allow you to avoid errors in pronunciation and phonetically get as close as possible to native speakers.

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There are few rules for reading consonants in English. They can be compared with similar rules in Russian: the name of a letter does not always correspond to the sound it denotes.

There are only 20 letters in the English language that can convey 24 consonant sounds in different positions and combinations. Some English sounds are similar to Russian, while others are significantly different from them. There are also those that have no analogues in Russian: [ð], [θ], [w]

However there is a few rules. English consonant sounds are always:

• pronounce firmly - do not soften, as in the word suit
• at the end of words we do not deafen the voiced ones, we pronounce the unvoiced words more clearly: pin-pit
• doubled consonants are pronounced as one sound, for example swimmer [ˈswɪmər]

Rules for reading letters that convey one consonant sound

Let's start with 15 consonants that convey one sound. They correspond to the letters of the English alphabet and their transcription signs are the same.
Letter and sound	Pronunciation Features	Examples	Translation
	always sounds like "b"		boy
P [p]	reminds me of the Russian "p"	panda [ˈpændə]	pool
F[f]	similar to Russian "f"	fire [ˈfaɪər]
V[v]	this is a Russian pure “v”		minibus brave
T[t]	hard Russian “t”, with strong aspiration		vertex
D [d]	identical to Russian "d" with stronger aspiration	riddle [ˈrɪdl]	mystery
M[m]	identical to Russian "m"
N [n]	identical to the Russian "n", but more nasal	number[ˈnʌmbər]
K [k]	identical to the Russian "k" with intense aspiration
L [l]	identical to Russian "l", always hard		small
R [r]	This letter should be given a little more attention. The tongue rests on the upper palate and the Russian “r” is pronounced. It sounds at the beginning of a word after consonants and between some vowels. At the end of a word, it is usually not pronounced, or is barely audible	writer [ˈraɪtər]	writer
H[h]	this sound is pronounced with a slight aspiration, almost like an exhalation
W[w]	at the beginning of a word, like Russian [u], but more energetic
S[s]	identical to Russian "s"
Z [z]	identical to Russian "z"	zebra [ˈziːbrə] crazy [ˈkreɪzɪ]	crazy

Rules for reading consonants that convey several sounds

Letter and sound	Pronunciation Features	Example	Translation
C[s]	before vowels e, i, y
C [k]	in other cases
J	like [j], only softer
X	- How :		next
X	- before a stressed syllable	exotic [ɪgˈzɔtɪk] example [ɪgˈzɑːmpl]	exotic
X [z]	- at the beginning of a word	Xerox  [ˈzɪərɔks]	Xerox
G	- before vowels e, i, y		Gym page
G[g]	- in other cases
Q	- occurs only in the letter combination qu -	squirrel [ˈskwɪrəl]	Queen

Rules for reading letter combinations with consonants

Consonants often form letter combinations. Let's look at the main ones:
Ch	Basically this letter combination sounds like Russian "ch"
Ch[k]	- in Greek words	character [ˈkærɪktər]	character
Ch[ʃ]	- in words of French origin	machine	car
Sh [ʃ]	Sounds like Russian "sh"	mushroom [ˈmʌʃrum]
Th [θ]	At the beginning of nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs; at the end of words; before a consonant or after a consonant. You need to stick the tip of your tongue between your teeth and pronounce the Russian “s”		thick
Th [ð]	- the second pronunciation option, like [ð] (in function words (articles, pronouns), between vowels). Pronunciation method: tongue between teeth, pronounce Russian “z”	father [ˈfɑːðər]
Ng [ŋ]	At the end of a word. There is no analogue to it in Russian. Pronounced roughly like [ny], in the nose		long
Ng [ŋg]	- inside a word:	England [ˈɪŋglənd] finger [ˈfɪŋgər]

There are many exceptions in the English language and this does not make it any less attractive. Each word must be memorized separately. Let the dictionary become your good friend and assistant, and let the teachers at the English language school via Skype become your personal consultants!

Watch the video on consonants

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

The English consonant letters b, f, k, m, p, v, z correspond to the 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 It is necessary to distinguish two sound meanings of the 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 of Greek origin, x at the beginning of the 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].

Rules for reading consonants in English

Before learning to read, let's get acquainted with some features of consonants. All sounds of this group are divided into voiced And deaf. Each of them is pronounced energetically, intensely, abruptly.

Such as [p], [t], [k] are accompanied by aspiration, [n], [d], [l], [z], [s], [t] differ from Russian in the place of articulation: with the tip of the tongue we touch alveoli (tubercles above the upper teeth). Try pronouncing Russian and English sounds alternately, and you will notice the difference. It is this feature (alveolar sounds, as they are called in phonetic science) that distinguishes English speech. It is important to note that English consonants are not softened or devoiced at the end. Let's get to know transcription of sounds.

[b] – like Russian “b”, [p] – “p”, but with aspiration; [f] – “f”, [v] – “v”; [w] – similar to the Russian “uo”, pronounced only with the lips; [t] and [d] – end of the tongue on the alveoli (see above); [k] – “k”, [g] – “g”; [n] – “n”, [ŋ] – the sound seems to come out through the nose, a mixture of “n” and “g”; [s] – “s”, [z] – “z”; [ʒ] – “zh”, – “j”; [ʃ] – “sh”, – “h”; [θ] – deaf, we bite the tongue a little with our teeth. A little close to Russian “s” and “f”; [ð] – also interdental, but voiced. Try biting your tongue a little and pronouncing the Russian “z”. [r] – “p”, [l] – “l”; [h] - “x”, only lighter, like an exhalation, almost inaudible; [j] – “th”, air through the nose.

1. bt at the end of the word there is only [t]: debt, doubt.

2.Cc has 3 reading options: [s] before e, i and y: face, city, cycle. In the rest it is pronounced as [k]: cat, cry, come. In letter combinations "cial" like [ʃƏl]: social, special, "cient" – [ʃent]: ancient. When combined "cc" or [k]: the first sound is pronounced before e, i and y: accept, accident. The second in other cases: occupy, according, occasion. Letter combinations such as "ch" And "tch" , standing together in a word, are read as ]: chess, much, cheese. But "ch" pronounced as [k] in Greek words: school, chemistry, character, and as [ʃ] in French: machine, machinist.

3. Letter d [-] – before consonants: grandmother, handsome. Combination "dg" – : bridge, knowledge.

4. The rules for reading words in English state that the combination "ften" read as: often, soften.

5. Letter "Gg" before vowels e, i, y as , and in other cases as [g]. "gh"– [-]: bought, eight, but after "au, ​​ou" read [f]: laugh, enough. At the beginning of a word or at the end "gn"– [n]: foreing.

6. The letter “k” falls out when reading a letter combination "kn" at the beginning of the word: knife, knee, know.

7. In combinations "alm, alf, alk," the letter “l” is not pronounced: talk, calm, half.

8. A in "mb, mn" at the end of the word only [m] is pronounced: autumn, climb.

9. "Ph" should be pronounced as [f]: phone, phrase.

10. Mysterious letter "s" has many exceptions. At the beginning of a word, before voiceless consonants, in combination ss– [s], and after voiced ones or between vowels as [z]. After voiceless consonants and before an unstressed syllable [ʃ], as well as in combination "sh": sugar, Russian, ship.

According to the rules of reading in English, the combinations "ssion" read as – [ʃn], "sion" – [ʒn], "sure"– [ʒ ə], "sten" – ,"stle" - : discussion, decision, pleasure, listen, wrestling.

11. With a letter "t" It's easier to remember the rules than with the previous one: "th" – [θ] and [ð], "tion" – [ʃn], "ture" – : thing, this, dictation, picture.

12. "w" + h = [w]: when, why. But, "w" + h + o = [h]: who, whom, whole. And in combination "wr" pronounced as [r]: wrong, write.

13. Letter "Xx" pronounced in two ways, depending on its place in the word. So, at the end of a word or before consonants it should be read as : box, text. But before the stressed vowel : examination, example, exact.

There are 6 vowels in the English alphabet, the reading of which depends on the stressed and unstressed syllable, openness and closedness. You can read more in other articles.

As you can see, it is not enough to learn the alphabet. You can read English words correctly if you master the pronunciation of each sound and learn the letter combinations. But you shouldn’t learn everything by heart at once. Gradually, better with practice: listen, pronounce only a single sound or combination in words, and then use mixed reading exercises

Rules for reading vowels in English

To listen, click on the highlighted English word.

Features of vowel pronunciation. 1. If a word consists of two or more syllables, namely, it contains two or more vowels, then the letter e at the end of the word is not pronounced. For example: die,mate,bottle. 2. If the word consists of one syllable and ends with a letter e, which in this case will be the only vowel, then the letter e pronounced as in the alphabet. For example: me,he,she. 3. If a word consists of one, two or more syllables and ends in ee, then this combination is always stressed and pronounced as . For example: fee,employee,see. The open-closed syllable rule affects the pronunciation of vowels in English. A stressed syllable is called open if it ends in a vowel not followed by a consonant, or if it ends in a consonant followed by another vowel. For example, me,tea,play or ending in a consonant followed by a vowel, as in the words place,truly,precise. 4. Stressed vowels in an open syllable a,e,u,i,oa -place,may,play,takee -fee,me,tea,meteru -true,truly,plumeu -pure,fuel,duei -tie,nice,tinyo[əu] - bone,toe,go A stressed syllable is called closed if it ends in a consonant that is not followed by a vowel. For example: pot,tip,pattern,doctor,but,sector. All these words have a closed syllable, that is, a syllable that ends in a consonant, as in the words: pot,tip,but; or followed by another consonant, as in: pattern,doctor,sector. 5. Stressed vowels in a closed syllable a,e,u,i,o pronounced as follows: a[æ] - bag,pattern,flag,exame[e] - bed,message,met,pretendu[Λ] - but,must,button,disgusti[i] - insist,pin,tip,pistolo[ɔ] - bottle,prolong,box,lock There are many exceptions to the rules of open and closed syllables. 6. Vowel a before a consonant s, followed by another consonant reads: pass,master,past. 7. Vowel a before a consonant th pronounced like: father,path,rather. 8. Vowel a before a consonant w in a closed syllable it is pronounced as [ɔ] or [ɔ:]: want,was,wander. 9. Vowel a before l + consonant pronounced [ɔ:]: walk,also,false. 10. Vowels in a closed syllable a,i,y before combination consonant + le pronounced as in an open syllable: title,maple,cycle,table,idle.eleven. Vowel o before consonants m, n, th, v pronounced [Λ]: front, some, dove, brother, glove, won, mother, come. 12. The vowel o in words like host,most,post pronounced as in the open syllable [əu]. 13. There are also isolated exceptions, such as the words: put,pull,push, where in a closed syllable the vowel u is pronounced [u], or the word give, where in the open syllable the letter i pronounced the same as in closed. 14. Stressed vowel y in an open syllable it is pronounced as: sky,fly,type. 15. Unstressed y at the end of a polysyllabic word it is pronounced as [i]: happy,truly,ferry. 16. In a closed syllable under stress y pronounced as [i]: myth,rhythm,system.

Basic rules of pronunciation in English

There are 26 letters in the English alphabet, which represent 24 consonants, 12 vowels and 8 diphthongs. Reading vowels depends on which syllable the vowels are in. In English, it is customary to distinguish 4 types of syllables: 1. An open syllable ends with a vowel. In English, a syllable followed by a consonant + an unpronounceable final is considered open. "e". The vowels in this syllable are pronounced the same way as they are called in the alphabet. 2. A closed syllable ends with a consonant. In this type of syllable, vowels convey short sounds. 3. The third type of syllable is a syllable in which a vowel is followed by a letter "r"(at the end of a syllable) or "r"+ consonant. In this syllable, all vowels convey long sounds. 4. The fourth type of syllable is a syllable in which the vowel is followed by the combination "r"+ vowel. In this syllable, all vowels convey long and complex sounds.

Reading vowels in four syllable types

Table of basic rules for reading vowels and consonants

"Mute" (unpronounceable) consonants

Notes: 1. Letter at conveys the same sounds as a letter i, but rarely occurs in the middle of a word. 2. The above rules apply only to stressed syllables. In an unstressed position, vowels are reduced to the sounds [ə] and [i]. For example: arrive[ə"raiv], return , illumination , difficult["difikəlt].

English consonants have a number of similarities with Russian ones, but their pronunciation and reading rules are very different. To build competent speech in English, it is very important to be able to read words. But, in turn, not all words are subject to the main rules of reading; there are some whose spelling and pronunciation need to be learned.

But first you need to familiarize yourself with the basic cases of reading consonant letters of the English alphabet.

Reading English consonants

In most cases, consonant letters in English are read in accordance with their alphabetical name. Consider these letters:

It is worth noting that consonant sounds in English are pronounced a little softer than in Russian.

For example:

• When forming sounds [d], [t], [l], [n], the tongue should be located behind the upper teeth.
• The sound [k] is pronounced with a breath, like a cough.
• And the sound [h] is just an exhalation, as if we are warming our hands.
• The sound [r] is a cross between the sounds [p] and [zh].
• When pronouncing the sound [w], the lips are positioned as when pronouncing the sound [u].

There are letters that convey 2 sounds. Let's look at them:

• Before the letters e, i, y, the letters Cc and Gg convey 2 sounds:
  • Cc [s] – cycle – bicycle,
  • [k] – cat – cat;
  • Gg – giraffe – giraffe,
  • [g] – glad – cheerful.
• The letters Ss and Xx can be read in different ways:
  • Ss [s] – swim – to swim,
  • [z] – please – please;
  • Xx – – fox – fox,
  • – examine - exam.

Reading consonant letter combinations

Consonants in English can form letter combinations that convey specific consonant sounds. Knowing the rules for reading such letter combinations will help in further learning to read. Let's look at some of them:

• The combination of letters ck conveys the sound [k], and is most often found at the end of words, for example:
  • back - back,
  • duck - duck.
• The letter combination sh is read as the sound [ʃ], it resembles our sound [sh], but is pronounced softer:
  • shelf [ʃelf] – shelf.
• A similar combination of letters ch, which is read like the Russian sound [ch], but softer:
  • cheese - cheese.
• The letter q and u together form the sound:
  • quest - search,
  • quarter - quarter.
• The letter combination ng is read as a nasal sound [ɳ], it resembles the Russian sound [n], but is pronounced as if “in the nose”:
  • spring - spring,
  • ring - ring.
• nk is read [ɳk]:
  • pink – pink.
• The combination th means 2 sounds:
  • [ϴ] – thing [ϴiɳ] – thing,
  • [ꝺ] – that [ꝺᴂt] – that.
• Doubling letters reads a little longer, for example:
  • ball - ball,
  • add [ᴂd] – add.