English 1 Week 1: Phonetics Basics
1. The Sounds of English
English spelling is notoriously inconsistent. We must rely on sounds (phonemes), not letters.
- Letters: A, B, C… (26 in alphabet)
- Sounds: /p/, /b/, /æ/… (~44 sounds)
1.1 Key Consonant Sounds
| Sound | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| /s/ | Unvoiced hiss | Sun, Cell, Psychology, Sans |
| /z/ | Voiced buzz | Zoo, Xerox, Rose, Dogs |
| /ʃ/ (sh) | “Sh” sound | Ship, Charade, Special, Sebaceous |
| /ʒ/ | ”Zh” sound | Vision, Measure, Azure |
| /f/ | Unvoiced lip-teeth | Fan, Phone, Laugh |
| /v/ | Voiced lip-teeth | Van, Of (careful!) |
TIP
The “X” Trap: The letter ‘X’ often makes the /z/ sound at the start of a word (e.g., Xerox). Inside words, it’s often /ks/ (Box) or /gz/ (Example).
1.2 Vowels: Short vs. Long
- Short Vowels: Quick, clipped sounds.
- /ʊ/ as in Book, Put.
- /æ/ as in Cat.
- /ɪ/ as in Pit.
- /ɒ/ as in Pot.
- Long Vowels: Held longer, often with a “gliding” feel.
- /u:/ as in Truth, Food.
- /i:/ as in Sheep.
- /ɑ:/ as in Car.
Example Analysis:
- Oblivion: /əˈblɪvɪən/ → All short vowels.
- Pantaloon: /ˌpæntəˈluːn/ → Has /u:/ (Long vowel).
2. Vowel Categories
2.1 Monophthongs (Pure Vowels)
Single, unchanging sounds.
- Examples: /e/ (bed), /i:/ (see), /ɒ/ (hot).
- Fact: /w/ and /y/ are NOT monophthongs. They are Semi-vowels (Consonants that act like vowels).
2.2 Diphthongs (Gliding Vowels)
A combination of two vowel sounds in one syllable.
- /aɪ/ as in Buy, Eye.
- /eɪ/ as in Bay, Weight.
- /ɔɪ/ as in Boy.
IMPORTANT
Semi-Vowels (/w/, /y/):
- They are NOT syllabic (they cannot form the peak of a syllable on their own).
- They function as consonants at the start of syllables (e.g., Yes, Wet).
3. Common Confusions (Minimal Pairs)
- Saws vs. Shows: /s/ vs /ʃ/.
- Hose vs. Horse: /əʊ/ (Hose) vs /ɔ:/ (Horse).
- Sans vs. Sons: /æ/ (Sans) vs /ʌ/ (Sons).
4. Pattern Bank: Identifying Sounds
Pattern 1: The “S” Ending
- If word ends in unvoiced sound (p, t, k, f) → S is /s/ (e.g., Cats).
- If word ends in voiced sound (b, d, g, v, m, n, l, r, vowels) → S is /z/ (e.g., Dogs, Plays).
- If word ends in sibilant (s, z, sh, ch, j) → S is /ɪz/ (e.g., Buses).
Pattern 2: The “Ch” Sound
- Usually /tʃ/ (Chair).
- Sometimes /k/ (Chemistry, School).
- Sometimes /ʃ/ (Chef, Charade, Machine).
- Hint: French origin words often use /ʃ/.
Pattern 3: The “Th” Sound
- Unvoiced /θ/: Think, Thank, Bath.
- Voiced /ð/: This, That, Father.
5. Practice Set
- Xerox: Starts with /z/.
- Special: Contains /ʃ/ (ci).
- Truth: Contains long /u:/.
- Book: Contains short /ʊ/.
🧠 Level Up: Advanced Practice
Question 1: The /z/ Sound Trap
Problem: Which word has /z/ sound?
- (a) Xerox
- (b) Trips Answer: Xerox.
- Logic: “Xerox” starts with /z/ sound (/zɪərɒks/).
- “Trips” ends with /s/ because ‘p’ is unvoiced.
Question 2: Monophthongs vs Semi-Vowels
Problem: Are /w/ and /y/ monophthongs? Answer: False.
- They are Semi-vowels (Glides).
- Monophthongs are pure vowels (like /e/, /i:/).
Question 3: Vowel Length
Problem: Does “Oblivion” have a long vowel? Answer: No. All short vowels. Contrast: “Pantaloon” has a long /u:/ sound.