Common French Pronunciation Pitfalls70

French is an elegant and evocative language, but its pronunciation can be tricky for non-native speakers. The following are some common pitfalls to be aware of:

1. Nasal Vowels

French has four nasal vowels: [ã], [ẽ], [ĩ], and [õ]. These vowels are pronounced with the soft palate lowered, allowing air to flow out through the nose. For example, the word "bon" (good) is pronounced [bõ].

2. Silent Letters

French has a number of silent letters, including "h," "t," and "u." For example, the word "heure" (hour) is pronounced [œʁ].

3. The "R" Sound

The French "r" sound is pronounced with the tip of the tongue curled up against the roof of the mouth. It is similar to the sound of "r" in Spanish, but it is stronger and more guttural.

4. The "Eu" Sound

The French "eu" sound is pronounced with the lips rounded and the tongue in the same position as for the "e" sound in English. It is similar to the sound of "u" in English, but it is more centralized.

5. Liaison

Liaison is the linking of the final consonant of a word to the initial vowel of the following word. For example, the words "les enfants" (the children) are pronounced [le zɑ̃fɑ̃].

6. Elision

Elision is the dropping of the final vowel of a word before a word that begins with a vowel. For example, the word "le" (the) is pronounced [lə] before a vowel.

7. Enchaînement

Enchaînement is the linking of the final consonant of a word to the initial consonant of the following word. For example, the words "les garçons" (the boys) are pronounced [le ɡaʁsɔ̃].

8. Aspiration

Aspiration is the pronunciation of a consonant with a puff of air. In French, aspiration occurs on initial voiced consonants, such as "b," "d," and "g." For example, the word "bonjour" (hello) is pronounced [bɔ̃ʒuʁ].

9. Voicing

Voicing is the vibration of the vocal cords. In French, voiced consonants are pronounced with the vocal cords vibrating, while unvoiced consonants are pronounced without the vocal cords vibrating. For example, the consonant "b" is voiced, while the consonant "p" is unvoiced.

10. Length

Long vowels and consonants are pronounced for longer than short vowels and consonants. In French, long vowels are marked with an accent aigu (é), an accent grave (è), an accent circonflexe (^) or a cedilla (ç). For example, the word "été" (summer) is pronounced [ete].

11. Stress

Stress is the emphasis of a syllable in a word. In French, stress is usually placed on the last syllable of a word.

12. Intonation

Intonation is the rise and fall of pitch in a sentence. French has a variety of intonation patterns, which can change the meaning of a sentence.

13. Rhythm

Rhythm is the flow of speech. French has a choppy rhythm, with each syllable pronounced distinctly.

14. Prononciation Figurée

Prononciation figurée is the spelling out of a word using the names of the letters. This is used to clarify the pronunciation of a word, especially when it is spelled differently from how it is pronounced.

15. Regional Variation

French is spoken with a variety of regional accents. The pronunciation of words can vary depending on the region of France in which a speaker is from.

2025-02-03

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