Speaking: Pronunciation C1
Understanding Features of Different Registers
Listen to the dialogue example here.
Scenario: The "Code Switch" 💬
A C1 speaker can "code-switch" instantly. Notice how Sophea's pronunciation, not just her words, changes when she switches from a formal meeting to a casual phone call.
--- Her phone rings. She answers. ---
The Pronunciation Spectrum 🔊
Your "register" is your style of speaking, and it changes based on your audience. The main differences are in your articulation (how clearly you form sounds) and prosody (the "music" of your voice).
Use when: Giving a presentation, in a job interview, showing respect.
- Full Forms: No contractions. (e.g.,
"it is","we are") - Precise Enunciation: Clear "t" sounds (e.g., "impor*t*an*t*").
- Even Pace: Speaking deliberately and clearly.
Use when: Talking to colleagues, a shop owner, new acquaintances.
- Standard Contractions: (e.g.,
"it's","we're","don't") - Clear Articulation: Generally clear speech, but "t" might be softer.
- Polite Intonation: A friendly but professional tone.
Use when: With close friends, family, or in very casual settings.
- Elision & Assimilation: Sounds blend together.
- (e.g.,
"gonna","wanna","dunno") - Faster Pace: Speaking more quickly.
- Wider Intonation Range: More expressive, emotional.
How Pronunciation *Sounds* Different
Listen to the same phrase shift from formal to informal. Pay attention to how the sounds merge and disappear.
"I do not know."
"I don't know."
"I dunno."
"What are you doing?"
"What're you doing?"
"Whatcha doin'?"
Pronunciation Tip: Intonation Range
🗣️ Adjusting Your Vocal "Music"
The "music" of your voice (your intonation) is a key signal of register.
- Formal Intonation: Use a narrower pitch range. Your voice sounds more serious and controlled. You often end statements with a clear falling tone. ↘
- Informal Intonation: Use a wider pitch range. Your voice can go very high (for excitement) or low (for effect). It's much more expressive. ↗ ↘
Listen to "That's interesting" in two ways:
Neutral: "That's interesting. ↘"
(Meaning: I understand.)
Informal: "That's... interesting! ↗"
(Meaning: Wow! Tell me more!)
Practice Your Ear 🎯
Practice Quiz: Identify the Register
Listen to the audio clip, then choose the register the speaker is using. Click "Check Answers" when done.
1. "It is a pleasure to be here this evening."
2. "Hey, what's up? You gonna be there later?"
3. "Excuse me, could you tell me where the station is?"
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
- Register A style of language (words, grammar, pronunciation) used in a specific social setting.
- Prosody / Intonation The "music" of speech, including rhythm, pitch, and stress.
- Enunciation The act of pronouncing words clearly and precisely.
- Elision When a sound is omitted or "deleted" in casual speech (e.g.,
"do not"→"don't"). - Assimilation When two sounds blend together to make a new sound (e.g.,
"want to"→"wanna"). - Imperative Extremely important or urgent. (Formal)
Your Mission: The "Two-Faced" Challenge ⭐
Your mission is to demonstrate your control over register. Take the following neutral sentence:
"I am going to have to think about that."
- Record yourself saying this sentence in a Formal Register (e.g., to a high-level CEO in a serious meeting). Pay attention to clear enunciation and a controlled, respectful tone.
- Record yourself again saying the same sentence in a Casual/Informal Register (e.g., to your best friend who just suggested a crazy idea). Use elision (
"I'm gonna hafta...") and an expressive, perhaps doubtful, intonation.
Listen back. Can you clearly hear the difference in your own pronunciation?