Mastering English Connected Speech: The Art of Linking Words with English Connected Speech Rules
If you want to sound like a native speaker of English, you need to learn how to use English connected speech rules. Connected speech is when words in a sentence flow together to form one smooth and continuous sound. In other words, it’s how natives speak in their everyday conversation. One of the most important features of connected speech is linking.
What is linking in English connected speech?
Linking is when the final consonant sound of one word is linked with the initial vowel sound of the following word, making the sentence sound natural and effortless. For instance, in the phrase “I have a pet dog”, we link “a” and “pet” together by pronouncing it as “I have a petdog” with no pause or break in between.
Types of linking
There are three types of linking in connected speech:
Consonant to vowel linking: This occurs when a final consonant sound in one word is followed by a vowel sound in the following word. For instance, “I liKe EnGlish” where the “K” links with “E”.
Consonant to consonant linking: In this kind of linking, a final consonant sound in one word is linked with an initial consonant sound in the succeeding word. For example, “I likEd siX Bars” where “d” links with “s”
Vowel to vowel linking: This is when a final vowel sound in one word is linked with an initial vowel sound in the following word. For example, “I saW an ElEphant” where “W” links with “E”.
Other English Connected Speech rules
There are other rules for connected speech, which include:
Assimilation: In assimilation, a sound is influenced or modified by the sound that comes after or before it. An example is “Ten Boys” where the “t” sound in “Ten” becomes a glottal stop, which sounds like a momentary pause, because it is followed by a voiced sound.
Elision: Elision is when a sound is omitted or dropped in connected speech. For example, “gonna” instead of “going to”.
Intrusive “r”: The intrusive “r” occurs when a linking “r” sound is inserted between words that end with a vowel sound and words that start with a vowel sound. For instance, the sentence “India and America” are pronounced as “India-r-and America”.
Why English Connected speech is important for writers?
As an writer, using connected speech can make your content more engaging and natural to read. This is because using connected speech rules helps to make your writing sound more like how people talk in everyday conversation, which can help to build a rapport with the reader and keep them engaged in your writing.
Moreover, using connected speech rules in content can also help to improve the content’s readability score, as search engine algorithms are designed to favour natural language. Content that reads naturally will rank higher in search engines, which in turn, helps to drive traffic to your website.
In conclusion
Mastering English connected speech rules is an essential skill for anyone looking to sound like a native speaker of English. As an writer, using connected speech rules in your content can help to improve readability, engagement and ultimately drive traffic to your website. So, start practising your connected speech skills today and watch your writing come to life like never before.
