Listening: Understanding Natural Connected Speech B2 - Lesson 1: Understanding Features of Fluent Speech (assimilation, elision, intrusion)

B2 CONNECTED

Features of Fluent Speech

លក្ខណៈនៃការនិយាយរហ័ស

🎯 Scenario: Rushing to catch a train.
Tom: Stressed and speaking fast.
Ben: Asking questions.

T

Tom /neks treɪn/

Elision (Disappearance): The 't' in "Next" is lost because "Train" starts with a 't'. "Next train" becomes "Nex-train".

B

Ben /tem paʊndz/

Assimilation (Change): The 'n' in "Ten" changes to 'm' to prepare the lips for the 'p' in "Pounds". "Ten pounds" -> "Tem-pounds".

T

Tom /gəʊ w əweɪ/

Intrusion (Addition): A 'w' sound appears between "Go" and "Away" to link the two vowels smoothly. "Go-w-away".

The Secrets of Connection:

Elision (Disappearing Sounds)

When a sound (usually /t/ or /d/) is dropped between two consonants.
Ex: "Fac(t)s", "Nex(t) day".

Assimilation (Changing Sounds)

When a sound changes to match the next one.
Ex: "Red bag" -> "Reb-bag" (/d/ becomes /b/).

Intrusion (Added Sounds)

Adding /r/, /j/, or /w/ between vowels to link them.
Ex: "Law(r) and order", "I(y) agree".

Identify the Feature:

Listen to the phrase "Hand bag". The 'd' becomes 'm'. What is this?

Elision

Assimilation

Intrusion

Task: Write what you hear

Listen to the connected speech and write the full standard sentence.