Speaking: Pronunciation B1
Introduction to Connected Speech (Linking)
Why Do Native Speakers Talk So Fast? ⏩
Have you ever felt that native English speakers talk too fast? The secret is not just speed; it's connected speech. Instead of pronouncing every word separately, fluent speakers join, or "link," words together into smooth groups.
Mastering linking is one of the most important steps to sounding more fluent. Let's learn the three basic rules.
The Three Rules of Linking 🔗
Rule 1: Consonant ➞ Vowel (C-V)
This is the most common rule. When a word ends with a consonant sound and the next word starts with a vowel sound, they link together. The consonant sound moves to the next word.
- turn‿off sounds like "tur-noff"
- read‿it sounds like "rea-dit"
- an‿apple sounds like "a-napple"
Rule 2: Vowel ➞ Vowel (V-V)
When a word ends in a vowel sound and the next begins with a vowel sound, we add a small linking sound (/j/ or /w/) to make it smooth.
- I‿am sounds like "I-yam" (adds /j/ sound)
- go‿out sounds like "go-wout" (adds /w/ sound)
- do‿it sounds like "do-wit" (adds /w/ sound)
Rule 3: Consonant ➞ Same Consonant (C-C)
When a word ends in a consonant sound and the next word begins with the same sound, we say the sound once, but hold it a little longer.
- hot tea sounds like "ho-tea" (one long /t/)
- big garden sounds like "bi-garden" (one long /g/)
- I don't want to sounds like "I don't wan-to"
A Tip for Better Listening 🎧
💡 How Linking Affects Listening
Understanding linking is a "secret key" to improving your listening skills. Often, you don't understand native speakers because your brain is waiting for separate words, but the speaker is producing linked sounds.
For example, when you hear "whaddaya-do", your brain might be looking for "what", "do", and "you". If you know about linking, you can recognize the sound and understand faster. Practice producing these sounds, and you will start to hear them everywhere!
Practice Linking 🎯
Activity 1: Mark the Links
Read the sentences. Where does the linking happen? What type of linking is it?
- She lives in‿a big‿apartment. (C-V linking)
- Do I need‿a ticket? (C-V linking)
- I don't want to go‿out. (V-V linking)
- I want to sit in the back car. (C-C linking)
Activity 2: Read Aloud Practice
Practice saying these common linked phrases smoothly. Don't pause between the words.
- pick it up (pi-ki-tup)
- turn it on (tur-ni-ton)
- an orange (a-norange)
- go away (go-waway)
Key Pronunciation Terms
- Connected Speech The way words are joined together in natural, fluent speech.
- Linking When the end of one word joins to the beginning of the next word.
- Consonant A sound like /b/, /t/, /k/, /s/ where the airflow is blocked.
- Vowel A sound like /a/, /e/, /i/, /o/, /u/ where the airflow is open.
Your Pronunciation Mission ⭐
This week, your mission is to focus on Consonant-Vowel (C-V) linking, as it's the most common type.
Find three examples in your own speaking. For example, instead of saying "I am... in... a class", practice saying it smoothly: "I'm‿in‿a class." Record yourself and listen for the smooth connections.