When the vocal folds close fully, and then release suddenly. The IPA symbol is [ʔ]. Part of the mouth just behind the upper front teeth. See Lesson 1 for a diagram of where this is.
A way of easily hearing yourself speak. Put one hand behind your ear, and put the other hand in front of your mouth. Part of the mouth between the gum ridge and soft palate. See Lesson 1 for a diagram of where this is.
Words of different meanings which are spelt differently but are pronounced the same. For example: buy-bye /bʌɪ/ sound the same.
A set of symbols used to represent pronunciation. The movements of pitch in speech. Compare with tone.
When a /r/ sound is inserted between words to link them together. Note that there is no “r” I saw it [ʌɪ sɔː r ɪt]. Compare with linking r.
letter in the spelling: Also called the voice box or your Adam’s apple, this structure holds the vocal folds. See Lesson 1 for a diagram of where it is.
Lenis consonants have the potential to be voiced, and are made with less muscular effort and a weaker breath force. Examples include /b, d, g/. Compare with fortis.
The word over /ˈəʊvə/ ends in “r” but the “r” is not pronounced. However, in over it /ˈəʊvə r ɪt/ the “r” is pronounced because the following word begins with a vowel. This is called Linking R. Compare with intrusive r.
A pair of words distinguished by one sound only. For example: vine /vʌɪn/ and wine /wʌɪn/. The way that muscles are held in a certain position throughout speech. This produces a particular voice quality.
This refers to the nose. A nasal consonant (like /n/) is made with the air going through the nose. A nasalised vowel is made with air going through the nose and the mouth. Compare with oral.
native speaker /ˌneɪtɪv ˈspiːkə/ Someone who speaks a language as their mother tongue. non-rhotic /ˌnɒn ˈrəʊtɪk/
f Varieties of English in which the letter “r” is only pronounced if there is a vowel sound afterwards.
