How do the transcriptions sound? English transcription: useful materials

Phonetics in English so complex and interesting that we devoted more than one article to it. Here you can find, and here you will find English words. general information about is presented in this article, and today we want to talk about how English sounds are still correctly pronounced. English transcription and a convenient table of English sounds with pronunciation will help us with this.

Why does the pronunciation of English sounds raise so many questions? First of all, because of the mismatch in the number of letters and sounds in the English language. There are almost half as many letters in the English alphabet (26 letters and 48 sounds). Consequently, the pronunciation of sounds cannot be correlated each with its own letter. Hence the confusion. More precisely, certain conditions that allow one to master English pronunciation Right.

What determines the pronunciation of English sounds?

As long as we read "to ourselves", that is, silently - we will not be able to recognize the sound English words. Only pronunciation aloud allows you to cope with practical phonetics. But in practice, the sounds of the English language and their pronunciation directly depend on the so-called articulation. That is, how we use the organs of speech.

The organs of speech, or articulatory apparatus, are the larynx, tongue (tip of the tongue, front of the tongue, middle part and back of the tongue with the root), soft and hard palate, teeth of the upper and lower jaws, lips, nasopharynx. An entire organ system involved in the creation of speech and voice sounds.

To correctly pronounce all sounds, you need to use all the organs of articulation. At the same time, for different sounds you need various organs. For example, to pronounce deaf consonant sounds, the vocal cords are not tense and apart. But for vowels and voiced consonants, you need to strain your vocal cords and literally make them vibrate. Of course, this is not done consciously. The correct pronunciation of sounds itself “turns on” certain sections articulation apparatus. But for correct English pronunciation, it is useful to know exactly how the sounds appear.

Pronunciation of vowels and their types in English

There are two types of vowels in English:

1. monophthongs- these are vowel sounds, during the pronunciation of which the articulation does not change during the entire period of sounding. An example of a monophthong: [ɔː].
2. diphthongs are vowel sounds that consist of two components. When pronouncing a diphthong, the organs of speech first take one position to pronounce the first component, and then change position to pronounce the second component. The first component is called the core of the diphthong and is longer and more distinct. The second component of the diphthong sounds shorter and gives the sound a certain “shade” of sound. Diphthong example: .

Consonants are divided into more varieties:

1) Labial consonants:

labials are articulated with both lips: [w], [m], [p], [b]

labiodental are pronounced with the lower lip and upper teeth: [f], [v].

2) Frontlingual consonants:

interdental, when the surface of the front of the tongue forms an incomplete barrier with the upper teeth: [θ], [ð]

apical-alveolar, the front edge of the tongue is raised to the alveolar arch: [t], [d], [n], [l], [s], [z], [∫], [ʒ], ,

kakuminalno-alveolar, the front edge of the tongue is raised up and slightly bent towards the posterior slope of the alveoli: [r].

3) Middle-lingual consonants, the barrier is formed by raising the middle part of the tongue to the hard palate: [j].

4) Back lingual consonants that are articulated by raising the back of the tongue to the soft palate: [k], [g], [ŋ].

5) guttural consonant unique in English: [h].

6) Closed consonants: [p], [b], [t], [d], [k], [g], [m], [n], [ŋ], , .

7) Slotted consonants: [f], [v], [θ], [ð], [s], [z], [∫], [ʒ], [h], [w], [l], [r], [j].

8) Closed noisy consonants:

explosive, when the full obstruction opens, the air leaves the oral cavity, producing an explosion noise: [p], [b], [t], [d], [k], [g]

affricates, when the opening of the organs of speech, which form a complete barrier, occurs smoothly:,.

9) Fricatives consonants: [f], [v], [θ], [ð], [s], [z], [∫], [ʒ], [h].

10) Nasal sonants, a complete obstruction is formed in the oral cavity, the soft palate descends, and air exits through the nasal cavity: [m], [n], [ŋ].

11) Oral sonants: [w], [r], [j], [l].

English sounds and their pronunciation

Reading aloud and pronouncing English sounds is the best, if not the only, way to get rid of a Russian accent in colloquial speech. And for beginners to learn English, this is an opportunity to immediately remember how sounds are pronounced correctly in English. All of them are collected in tables of English sounds with pronunciation:

English vowel sounds. English Vowel Sounds
Sound	Description	Example words
iː	Long vowel. When pronouncing a sound, the tongue is in front of the mouth. The tip of the tongue touches the lower teeth. The middle part of the tongue is raised high to the hard palate. Lips are slightly stretched.	feel read
	Short vowel. When pronouncing the sound [ɪ], the tongue is in front of the mouth. The middle part of the tongue is raised to the hard palate, but not as high as when pronouncing the Russian sound [and]. The tip of the tongue is at the lower teeth, the lips are slightly stretched.	unit wind
	Short vowel. Pronounced with a slight rounding of the lips. When pronouncing the sound [ʊ], the tongue is at the back of the mouth, but not very far away. The back of the back of the tongue is raised to the front of the soft palate, but not as high as when pronouncing the Russian sound [y]. The lips are slightly rounded, but almost do not move forward.	put look
	Long vowel. When pronouncing a sound, the tongue is located at the back of the mouth. The back of the tongue is considerably raised. The lips are rounded, but slightly. Toward the end of the sound, the lips become more rounded.	none blue
	Short vowel. When pronouncing the vowel sound [e], the tongue is in front of the oral cavity. The tip of the tongue is at the base of the lower teeth, the middle part of the tongue is raised to the hard palate. Lips are slightly stretched. When pronouncing the sound [e], the lower jaw should not be lowered.	bed desk
	Short neutral vowel. This sound is always unstressed, so it is very easily influenced by neighboring sounds. When pronouncing the sound [ə] at the beginning or middle of words, the whole language is somewhat raised. The sound [ə] should not be similar to the Russian sounds [e], [a] or [s].	again under
	Long vowel. When pronouncing the sound [ɜː], the tongue is raised, the back of the tongue lies flat. The tip of the tongue is at the bottom teeth. The teeth are slightly exposed, the distance between the upper and lower teeth is small. The lips are tense and slightly stretched.	work burn
	Long vowel. When pronouncing the sound [ɔː], the tongue is in the back of the mouth. The back of the tongue is raised to the soft palate. The lips are slightly pushed forward and considerably rounded.	small morning
	Semi-long vowel. When pronouncing the sound [æ], the mouth is wide enough open, the tongue is in front of the oral cavity, lies flat in the mouth, and its middle part is slightly raised. The tip of the tongue touches the lower teeth. The lips are somewhat stretched, and the corners of the lips are slightly drawn to the sides. There is no such sound in Russian.	bad exam
	Short vowel. When pronouncing the sound [ʌ], the mouth is half open, the lips are neutral, the tongue is somewhat pushed back. The back of the tongue is slightly raised.	nut cut
	Long vowel. When pronouncing the sound [ɑː], the tongue is in the back of the mouth. The back of the tongue is slightly raised. The tip of the tongue is pulled away from the lower teeth, the lips are neutral, that is, not stretched or pushed forward. You should not open your mouth wide.	dark are
	Short vowel. When pronouncing the sound [ɒ], the tongue is at the back of the mouth. The back of the tongue is slightly raised. The mouth is wide open, the lips are rounded.	not wash

Vowel length, which is denoted by a colon in transcription, is very important. If you do not take into account the duration of vowels, then you can confuse the meaning of words. For example: short sound ship [ʃɪp] - ship and long sound sheep [ʃiːp] - ram.

English diphthongs. English Diphthongs
Sound	Description	Example words
ɪə	Diphthong. The core is the vowel sound [ɪ]. After pronouncing the sound [ɪ], the tongue moves towards the center in the direction of the neutral vowel [ə], which has a shade of the sound [ʌ].	real beer
	The core of the diphthong is the vowel [e]. After pronouncing [e], the tongue makes a slight upward movement in the direction of the [ɪ] sound, but without reaching its full formation.	say table
	The core of the diphthong is the vowel [ʊ]. After pronouncing the sound [ʊ], the tongue moves towards the center in the direction of the neutral vowel [ə], which has a shade of the sound [ʌ].	tour jury
	The core of the diphthong is the vowel, which is the middle sound between [ɒ] and [ɔː]. After pronouncing the first element of the diphthong, the tongue moves in the direction of the vowel [ɪ].	boy noise
	The diphthong nucleus is close in sound to the vowel [ɜː], after which the tongue makes a slight upward movement and moves back in the direction of the vowel [ʊ]. At the beginning of the pronunciation of the diphthong, the lips are slightly rounded, then gradually the lips are rounded even more.	coat flow
	The core of the diphthong is a vowel similar to the Russian sound [e] in the word it, after pronouncing which the language moves in the direction of the neutral vowel [ə] with a hint of the sound [ʌ].	where their
	The core of the diphthong is a vowel similar to the Russian sound [a] in the word tea, when pronouncing which the tongue is in front of the mouth and lies flat. The tip of the tongue touches the lower teeth, the lips are slightly stretched. After pronouncing the first element of the diphthong, the tongue moves upwards in the direction of the sound [ɪ].	five my
	The core of the diphthong is a vowel similar to the Russian sound [a] in the word tea, when pronouncing which the tongue is in front of the mouth and lies flat. The tip of the tongue touches the lower teeth, the lips are slightly stretched. After pronouncing the first element of the diphthong, the tongue moves back in the direction of the [ʊ] sound, which should be very weak.	how cloud

Pronunciation of consonants in English

If you have noticed that the intonations of the English language are more energetic than Russian, then this fully applies to English words. And that means sounds. English consonants are pronounced vigorously, with great impulses and energy expenditure. Keep this in mind when reading tables of English consonants with pronunciation:

English consonants. English Consonant Sounds
Sound	Description	Example word
	Voiced consonant. When pronouncing the sound [b], the lips first close, and then instantly open, and the air exits through the oral cavity.
	Voiced consonant. When pronouncing the sound [d], the tip of the tongue is pressed against the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth), forming a complete barrier. A jet of air with an explosion opens this barrier.
	Voiced consonant. When pronouncing the sound [ʒ], the tip of the tongue is at the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth), and the middle part of the tongue is raised to the hard palate.
	Voiced consonant. When pronouncing a sound, the tip of the tongue touches the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth), at the same time the middle part of the tongue rises to the hard palate. Gradually, the tip of the tongue moves away from the alveoli. The sound is pronounced similarly, but loudly, with a voice.
	Voiced consonant. When pronouncing the sound [ɡ], the back of the back of the tongue touches the soft palate, forming a complete barrier. A jet of air with an explosion opens this barrier.
	Voiced consonant. When pronouncing the sound [v], the lower lip is slightly pressed against the upper teeth, and a stream of exhaled air passes into the gap between them.
	Voiced interdental consonant. To correctly pronounce the sound [ð], you need to place the tip of the tongue between the teeth. The tongue should be flattened and not tense, and the teeth should be bared. The tip of the tongue between the teeth forms a small gap, and you need to exhale air into this gap.
	Voiced consonant. When pronouncing the sound [z], the tip of the tongue is against the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth). A stream of air with friction passes through the groove formed between the anterior back of the tongue and the alveoli.
	Silent consonant sound. When pronouncing the sound [p], the lips first close, and then instantly open, and the air exits through the oral cavity.
	Silent consonant sound. When pronouncing a dull sound [t], the tip of the tongue is pressed against the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth), forming a complete barrier. A jet of air with an explosion opens this barrier.
	Silent consonant sound. When pronouncing the sound [ʃ], the tip of the tongue is at the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth), and the middle part of the tongue is raised to the hard palate.
	Silent consonant sound. When pronouncing a sound, the tip of the tongue touches the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth), at the same time the middle part of the tongue rises to the hard palate. Gradually, the tip of the tongue moves away from the alveoli.
	Silent consonant sound. When pronouncing the sound [k], the back of the back of the tongue touches the soft palate, forming a complete barrier. A jet of air with an explosion opens this barrier.
	Silent consonant sound. When pronouncing the sound [f], the lower lip is slightly pressed against the upper teeth, and a stream of exhaled air passes into the gap between them.
	Voiceless interdental consonant. To correctly pronounce the sound [θ], you need to place the tip of the tongue between the teeth. The tongue should be flattened and not tense, and the teeth should be bared. The tip of the tongue between the teeth forms a small gap, and you need to exhale air into this gap.
	Silent consonant sound. When pronouncing the sound [s], the tip of the tongue is against the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth). A stream of air with friction passes through the groove formed between the anterior back of the tongue and the alveoli.
	Labio-labial consonant. When pronouncing the sound [m], the lips are closed, the soft palate is lowered, and a stream of air passes through the nasal cavity.
	Nasal consonant. When pronouncing the sound [n], the tip of the tongue touches the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth), the soft palate is lowered, and air passes through the nasal cavity.
	Nasal consonant. When pronouncing the sound [ŋ], the back of the tongue touches the soft palate, the soft palate is lowered, and air passes through the nasal cavity.
	Silent consonant sound. The sound [h] is formed without the participation of the tongue, while at the moment of its pronunciation, the tongue takes the position for the subsequent vowel.
	Consonant. When pronouncing the sound [l], the tip of the tongue is pressed against the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth), but the lateral edges of the tongue are lowered, forming a passage for the air stream.
	Consonant. When pronouncing the sound [r], the tip of the tongue is raised to the posterior slope of the alveoli (small tubercles behind the upper teeth). The tip of the tongue should be kept tense and motionless.
	Labio-labial consonant. When pronouncing the sound [w], the lips are strongly rounded and pushed forward, forming a round gap. The back of the tongue is raised to the soft palate. Then, instantly, the tongue and lips move into position for pronouncing the next vowel.
	Consonant. When pronouncing the sound [j], the middle part of the tongue is raised to the hard palate, but not as high as when pronouncing Russian [y]. The edges of the tongue are pressed against the upper teeth, forming an air passage along the middle of the tongue.

All these subtleties may seem complicated only in theory. In practice, the position of the tongue and lips is remembered after several repetitions. A best exercises to practice the pronunciation of English sounds - this is also a practice. Listen to the speech of native speakers, high-quality audio books (by the way, this is excellent) and try to repeat the pronunciation of words.

You should always pay attention to the shades of sound, because there are no insignificant trifles in learning English, every detail is important. But on the other hand, this approach will give the desired result: the correct English pronunciation of sounds and words, and as a result, pure speech without an accent.

Elena Britova

Academic manager of the TransLink-Education company, certified trainer in speed reading and memory development.

The English alphabet has 26 letters and 44 sounds. If in some languages ​​each letter is responsible for only one sound, then in English one letter can convey up to four sounds, and in some cases even up to seven. Hence the favorite saying of the English: "We write Liverpool, but we read Manchester."

In addition, articulation (movement of the tongue, lips, mouth) is significantly different from Russian. There are sounds similar to Russians, but when they are pronounced, the organs of articulation work differently.

If you want to get rid of the accent, or at least get closer to English speech, all the differences must be taken into account. Here are some tips on how to get yourself the correct English pronunciation.

1. Learn the alphabet

Many adults consider this a child's exercise. But one day they will definitely ask you: “Please, spell your name” (“Spell your name”). This is where knowledge of letters comes in handy English alphabet. In addition, there may be letters in abbreviations, street names, house and flight numbers, and, for example, at the airport they will be sure to be pronounced as in the alphabet.

2. Practice articulation when pronouncing consonants

Once you have mastered the letters of the alphabet, feel free to move on to learning the sounds they convey. Accustom yourself to the correct articulation right away. Learn to pronounce the sounds separately first, bring to automatism, and then move on to words, phrases and sentences.

In English, there are consonant sounds that at first glance (or rather, hearing) are pronounced like in Russian.

1. Check where the tip of the tongue is when pronouncing the sounds [d] - [t], [n], [r], [s], [z]. Sticking to your teeth? Congratulations, you pronounce the Russian alphabet. In native English, the tip of the tongue at this time is on the alveoli (the largest tubercle in the upper palate). Try it. Now you get pure English sounds. Practice: bed - ten , not , rat , sun , zoo .

2. Depict a hare when pronouncing the sounds [f] - [v]. upper teeth must be placed on the lower lip. Work out: fat - vet.

3. Remember that the sound [l] is always hard: London [ˈlʌndən].

4. When practicing the sound [w], take a candle: this The best way learn how to pronounce it correctly. Fold your lips into a tube and pull forward (like small children reach out for a kiss), and then smile sharply. Then this sound will come out. When training, hold the candle at a distance of 20-25 cm from the lips. If the flame goes out when you pronounce the sound, then you are doing everything right. Practice: say the word well.

5. Warm your hands when practicing the [h] sound. It has nothing to do with Russian [x]. Imagine that you are very cold and are trying to warm your hands with your breath. You bring them to your lips and exhale. During exhalation, a light, barely audible English sound[h]. As in the word home.

6. Practice the sound [ŋ] with a bad cold or imagine that you have it. There is no such sound in Russian, it is transmitted by the combination ng in English. Press the tongue like a spatula against the upper palate and let the sound through the nose. It reminds a little of [n], if you pronounce it with a severe cold. Remember that your tongue is still touching the alveoli, not the teeth. Practice: interesting [ˈɪnt(ə)rɪstɪŋ].

7. Be a snake and a bee for training [ð] - [θ]. These sounds are absent in Russian and are formed by combining the letters th in English.

[ð] - voiced sound. Bite the tip of your tongue lightly with your teeth and pronounce the sound [z]. If during training the lower lip and tongue are tickled, then you are doing everything right. If not, then you may have bitten the tip of your tongue too hard, loosen your teeth a little. Say the word this [ðɪs], do you get it?

[θ] - dull sound. The articulation is the same, only we pronounce the sound [s]. To practice the hollow sound [ θ ], say the word thank [θæŋk].

3. Learn the four types of syllables for the correct pronunciation of vowels

The reading of vowels depends on the type of syllable in which they are:

• open (syllable ends in a vowel);
• closed (syllable ends in a consonant);
• vowel + r;
• vowel + re.

In the first type of syllable - open - vowels are read as in the alphabet (that's where knowledge of the alphabet came in handy!). For example: plane , nose , tube , Pete .

In the second type, you need to learn by heart the pronunciation of each vowel:

• [æ] - open sound, not long. It is conveyed by the letter A in a closed syllable. Test yourself: sit at the table, straighten up, put one elbow on the surface, bend the brush under the chin. Between the chin and the hand you will have a place, unless, of course, you have straightened your back. Now we lower the lower jaw down so that it reaches the brush, and pronounce [e]. Practice with the word bag.
• [e] is often confused with the previous sound. When pronouncing [e], you just need to slightly raise the corners of your lips up, as if smiling slightly. These are two different sounds, and they are not similar to each other, and even more so to Russian [e]. Practice: pet .
• Short sounds [i], [ɔ], [ʌ], [u] are pronounced intensively, not in a singsong voice: big, box, bus, book [bʊk].

In the third and fourth types of syllables, the letter R not readable, it only forms a syllable and lengthens the vowel sound: car, sort, turn.

, [ɔ:] - special sounds. Imagine that you are at a doctor's office examining your throat. The root of your tongue is pressed with a stick and asked to say "Aaaa." It is in this position that the tongue should be when pronouncing the sounds [a] and [o]. If at the same time you want to yawn, then you are on the right track! Try it right now: car , sort .

4. Remember the correct accents

Most often in English the stressed syllable is the first. If you need to pronounce a word, but there is no one to ask or there is no dictionary at hand, put the stress on the first syllable. Of course, it is better to immediately memorize words with the correct stress or check yourself in a dictionary.

5. Don't Forget Four Important Rules

• There are no soft consonants in English.
• Voiced consonants are not stunned at the end of a word.
• Vowels are long (in transcription they are denoted by [:]) and short.
• No extra - especially sharp - movements of the lips.

Learn a few phrases to practice correct pronunciation:

• Very well [‘veri ‘wel].
• World Wide Web or WWW [‘w əuld ‘waid ‘web www].
• Eleven benevolent elephants [ɪˈlevn bəˈnevələnt ˈelɪfənts].
• Stupid superstition [ˈstjuːpɪd ˌsuːpəˈstɪʃ(ə)n].
• Pirates Private Property [ˈpaɪrəts praɪvət ˈprɒpəti].

And remember: different sounds have a meaningful function. For example, man ("man", "man") and men ("men"); ship [ʃip] ("ship") and sheep [ʃi:p] ("sheep") and so on. Many people read the word three (“three”) as (which means “tree”) or (“freedom”), not taking into account that th [θ] is read differently, it simply does not exist in Russian (remember the exercise "bee"). Knowing the correct pronunciation of words, you definitely will not get into a mess!

When you start learning English, the first thing you encounter is English alphabet (alphabet |ˈalfəbɛt |). Writing English letters is not something completely new even on the very initial stage learning, because any modern man daily encounters English letters on the keyboard of a computer and phone. Yes, and English words are found at every step: in advertising, on the labels of various goods, in shop windows.

But while the letters seem familiar, pronouncing them correctly in English is sometimes difficult, even for those who speak English tolerably well. Everyone is familiar with the situation when you need to spell an English word - for example, to dictate an address Email or site name. This is where the wonderful names begin - i - “like a stick with a dot”, s - “like a dollar”, q - “where is the Russian th”.

English alphabet with Russian pronunciation, transcription and voice acting

The English alphabet with Russian pronunciation is only for the very beginners. In the future, when you get acquainted with the rules of reading English and learn new words, you will need to study transcription. It is used in all dictionaries, and if you know it, it will once and for all remove the problem of the correct pronunciation of new words for you. We advise at this stage to compare the transcription icons in square brackets with the Russian equivalent. Perhaps, in these short examples, you will remember some of the ratios of English and Russian sounds.

Below is a table showing the English alphabet with transcription and Russian pronunciation.

← Move the table to the left to view it in full

Letter	Transcription	Russian pronunciation	Listen	Add. information

Would you like to listen to the entire alphabet, please!

English alphabet cards

Very effective cards of the English alphabet in its study. Bright and large letters will be easier to remember. See for yourself:

Features of some letters of the English alphabet.

In the English alphabet 26 letters: 20 consonants and 6 vowels.

The vowels are A, E, I, O, U, Y.

There are a few letters in the English language that we want to pay special attention to because they have certain features that need to be taken into account when learning the alphabet.

• The letter Y in English can be read as a vowel and as a consonant. For example, in the word “yes” it is a consonant sound [j] (th), and in the word “many” it is a vowel sound [i] (and).
• Consonants in words, as a rule, convey only one sound. The letter X is an exception. It is transmitted immediately by two sounds - [ ks ] (ks).
• The letter Z in the alphabet is read differently in the British and American versions (as you probably already noticed in the table). The British version is (zed), the American version is (zi).
• The pronunciation of the letter R is also different. British version - (a), American version - (ar).

To make sure that you pronounce English letters correctly, we recommend that you not only look at them and read (using transcription or the Russian version), but also listen. To do this, we advise you to find and listen to ABC-song. This song is usually used when teaching children the alphabet, but it can also be useful for adults. ABC-song is very popular in teaching, it exists in various variations. If you sing it with the announcer several times, you can not only check the correct pronunciation of the letters, but also easily remember the alphabet along with the melody.

A few words about spelling

So, we learned the alphabet of the English language. We know how English letters are pronounced individually. But turning to the rules of reading, you will immediately see that many letters in different combinations are read in a completely different way. A reasonable question arises - as the cat Matroskin would say - what is the use of memorizing the alphabet? In fact, there are practical benefits.

The point here is not the ability to tell the alphabet from beginning to end, but the ability to easily spell any English word. This skill is necessary when you need to write down from dictation English names. If you need English for work, this skill can be very useful, since English names, even if they sound the same, can be spelled in several ways. For example, Ashley or Ashlee, Mila and Milla, not to mention surnames. Therefore, for the British and Americans themselves, it is considered absolutely natural to ask to spell the name if you need to write it down (spell it) - hence the word spelling, which you can see in various tutorials.

Online exercises for learning the alphabet

Choose the letter that goes

Write the letter that starts the word.

Write the letter that ends the word.

Decipher the code and write down the secret message in letters. The number corresponds to the order of the letter in the alphabet.

Well, the final, interactive exercise "Dictation", you can follow this link.

You can apply the knowledge gained in practice with the help of. With the help of unique exercises, even on the very entry level, you will be able to master not only reading, but also writing English words, as well as learn the basic grammar rules and continue learning further.

It consists of 26 letters, with 44 sounds. Therefore, you need to clearly know how this or that sound is pronounced, because the sound of the same letter may differ. This happens according to a certain system, such rules of the basis of pronunciation are universal. To know them is to know the language.

Correct pronunciation of vowels

The sounds of the English language can be divided into vowels and consonants. There are several rules for reading and pronouncing vowels such as E, A, Y, U, I, O.

To better remember and understand how the sounds of the English language are read correctly, a table with examples and transcription for convenience in Russian letters will help you remember reading rules faster.

• the type of pronunciation is associated with the presence of an open syllable in the word. Any syllable that ends in a vowel is considered open, including if the vowel is not readable.
• type of pronunciation - consonant syllable.
• the type of pronunciation is a vowel with the letter “r”. The letter G determines the lingering sound of the vowel, which is at the root of the word.
• reading type - 2 vowels and the letter G between them. In this case, the letter G is not readable. And vowels have a special pronunciation.

How are consonants pronounced in English?

The pronunciation of consonants in English also has its own characteristics. To understand how to read the consonants of the English language correctly, transcription in Russian letters will help you.

The letters sh are read as w, ch as h, tch - h, ck - k, wh as yo (for example, what) or x (for example, xy), ng as n, q as kv, nk- as nk and wr as p , th is pronounced as with interdental vowels if they are at the beginning of a word, but as in pronouns, official words, between vowels.

Diphthongs in English: pronunciation rules

There are also vowel sounds that combine with each other. They're called diphthongs and are pronounced according to special rules. Vowel sounds in English and their pronunciation often depend on whether they are at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of a word.

The diphthong is read as "ay". It is expressed in writing by vowels "i" and "y" in an open syllable with stress, the combination of letters "ie" and "ye" at the end of the word, as well as "uy", "eye", "igh".

i - line [line]
y - fly [fly]
ie - tie [thai]
ye - dye [give]
uy - guy [guy]
eye - eyebrow [aibrov]
igh - knight [knight]

[ɔɪ] is read as Russian "oh". On the letter it is passed through "oi", "oy".

oi - noisy [noisy]
oy - annoy
reads like "hey".

In writing, it is conveyed by the letter "a" in an open stressed syllable, and by the letter combinations "ai", "ay", "ey", "ea", "ei".

a - save [save]
ai - main [main]
ay - tray [tray]
ey - gray [gray]
ea - great [great]
ei-eight

It reads like "ay". the "a" sound is longer than the "y" sound. The letter is transmitted through the letter combinations "ow", "ou".

ow - town [town]
ou - pound [pound]

[əu] is read as an average between the sound combinations "ou" and "eu". On the letter - the letter "o" in an open stressed syllable, and the letter combinations "ow", "ou", "oa", "o + ld", "o + ll"

o - bone [bone]
ow - snow [snow]
ou - soul [soul]
oa - coat [coat]
old - cold [cold]
oll - roller [roller]

[ɪə] is read as "ie", "and" is long, and "e" is short. The letter is transmitted by the letter combinations "ear", "eer", "ere", "ier".

ear - gear [gie]
eer - deer [dee]
ere - severe [sivie]
ier - fierce [fies]

[ɛə] reads "ea" or "ee". The sound is a clear "e" and the average between "e" and "a". The letter is transmitted using the letter combinations "are", "ear", "air".

are - care [kee]
Bear - bear [bee]]
air - repair [rapeer]]

It is read as "ue", while "u" is longer than "e". Transmitted by the letters "ue", "ure", "ou+r".

ue - cruel [cruel]
ure - sure [shue]
our - tour [tuer]]

Combination of vowels with consonants

In English, there is such a pattern when some vowels are combined with consonants. For example, the combination al, if it is before the letter k, and after - other consonants. A combination of letters wo, if the previous syllable contains consonants. Wa - if this combination comes before vowels at the end, in this case, the exception is r or if it is combined with consonants, for example, warm. The combination igh has already been described by us among diphthongs, as well as the combination qua, if it is before consonants other than r.

And do listening exercises. You will only listen to the correct pronunciation of real American English!

”, transcription is used by everyone, sometimes even unconsciously. First, let's refresh our memory, what does the phrase "English transcription" mean?

English transcription is a sequence of phonetic symbols that helps us understand how to read a particular sound, word. Often students are faced with transcription at the beginning of language learningwhen it is still difficult enough to read even quite simple words and then just ignore it. However, it won't be like this forever.

As soon as the student begins to skillfully use complex grammatical constructions, and gains a good lexicon for free communication, then immediately there is a desire to speak beautifully, like a native speaker, that is, to improve your pronunciation of English words. This is where we remember the good old transcription.

In order not to have to remember the well-forgotten old, we suggest returning to repetition from time to time. Of course, ideally, transcription should be done together with the teacher, because writing does not convey all the subtleties of pronunciation, but if you are reading this article now, the foundation for beautiful pronunciation and correct reading has already been laid, and you will definitely achieve your desired goal.

Transcription of vowels

There are two types of vowels - single sounds and diphthongs.

[ ʌ ] - [a] - short;
[a:]- [a] - deep;
[i]- [ and ] - short;
[i:]- [and] - long;
[o]- [o] - short;
[o:]- [o] - deep;
[u]- [y] - short;
[u:]- [y] - long;
[e]- as in the word "plaid";
[ ɜ: ] - as in the word "honey".

English diphthongs

A diphthong is a sound that consists of two sounds. Most often, a diphthong can be divided into two sounds, however, this cannot be conveyed in writing. Often, diphthongs are indicated not by a combination of several characters, but by their own sign.

[əu]- [ OU ];
[au]- [ay];
[ei]- [ Hey ];
[oi]- [ Ouch ];
[ai]- [ay].

Vowel pronunciation rules in English

• Sound " a"has four varieties:
  [ ʌ ] - a short sound, as in the words "duck", "cut";
  [ æ ] - soft sound. It has no analogue in Russian. It is read as in the word in the word "cat";
  [a:]- a long sound that is read, as in the word "car";
  [ ɔ ] - a short sound that sounds like both "o" and "a" at the same time. In British pronunciation, it's more of an 'o', as in 'hot' or 'not'.

• Sound " e" can be read in three ways:
  [e]- for example, as in the word "let";
  [ ə: ] - this sound is a bit like the Russian letter "ё", only it is read a little softer. For example, "bird", "fur";
  [ ə ] one of the most common sounds in English transcription. In sound, this sound is similar to the Russian sound "e". It occurs only in unstressed syllables and is almost inaudible or indistinguishable, for example, ["letə], "letter" - a letter.

• Sound " i» can be long and short:
  [I]- a short sound, for example, as in the word "film";
  [i:]- a long sound, for example, as in "sheep".

• Sound " O” also has 2 options - long and short:
  [ ɔ ] - a short sound, as in the word "bond";
  [ ɔ: ] - a long sound, as in the word "more".

• Sound " u" can also be pronounced in two ways. It can be long or short:
  [u]- a short sound, as in the word "put";
  [u:]- a long sound, as in the word "blue".

Transcription of consonants

In the transcription of consonants, everything is quite simple. Basically they sound like Russian. It is enough to take a thoughtful look at the above letter combinations a couple of times, and they will remain in your memory.

Consonants
[b]- [b];
[d]- [d];
[f]- [f];
[ 3 ] - [ and ];
[dʒ]- [j];
[g]- [ G ];
[h]- [ X ];
[k]- [ To ];
[l]- [l];
[m]- [m];
[n]- [n];
[p]- [ P ];
[s]- [ With ];
[t]- [ T ];
[v]- [ V ];
[z]- [h];
[t∫]- [h];
[ ∫ ] - [w];
[r]- soft [p], as in the word Russian;
[ O ]- a sign of softness, as in the Russian letter "ё" (Christmas tree).

English consonants that are not in Russian and their pronunciation:
[ θ ] - soft letter "c", the tongue is between the front teeth of the upper and lower jaw;
[ æ ] - like "e", only more sharply;
[ ð ] - like "θ", only with the addition of a voice, like a soft letter "z";
[ ŋ ] - nasal, in the French manner, sound [ n ];
[ ə ] - neutral sound;
[w]-like "in" and "y" together, soft pronunciation.

Features of English transcription

In order to make it easier to navigate in reading words, it is important to know the main features of transcription:

• Feature 1. Transcription is always in square brackets
• Feature 2. In order not to get confused where to stress in a word, it is worth considering that it is always placed before the stressed syllable. ["neim] is a transcription of the word name.
• Feature 3. It is important to understand that transcription is not the English letters and sounds that make up the word. Transcription is the sound of words.
• Feature 4. In English, transcription consists of vowels, diphthongs and consonants.
• Feature 5. To show that a sound is long, a colon is used in transcription.

Of course, knowing only character sets, it is quite difficult to read everything correctly, because there are many exceptions. In order to read correctly, it is necessary to understand that there are closed syllables and open ones. open syllable ends with a vowel (game, sunshine), closed- into a consonant (ball, dog). Some sounds of the English language can be pronounced differently, depending on the type of syllable.

Conclusion

It is worth remembering that in any business the main thing is practice (by the way, you can start practicing English remotely right now). Transcription of sounds in English will be easy for you if you work hard at it. Reading the rules once is not enough. It is important to return to them, work through and repeat regularly until they are worked out to automatism. In the end, transcription will allow you to put the correct pronunciation of sounds in English.

Memorizing English with transcription and the correct pronunciation of English letters and words will be greatly facilitated by dictionaries. You can use both English online dictionaries and the good old ones printed editions. The main thing is not to give up!

Inspiration to you and success in your studies. May the knowledge be with you!

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