English letters and their transcription. Plus popular combinations of English letters. Clear and accessible. Sounds in English and their pronunciation I what sound

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English Transcription

Pronunciation of English sounds.

Pronunciation of English vowels.

The pronunciation of English sounds is presented in Russian letters; you should understand that it is not possible to convey the correct English pronunciation using the Russian alphabet.

• ɑː long, deep
• ʌ short vowel a, as in the Russian word run.
• ɒ = ɔ - short, open about
• ɔː - long o
• zː - long vowel e, as in the Russian word hedgehog.
• æ - open e
• e - like e in the word these
• ə - unclear unstressed sound, similar to e
• iː - long and
• ɪ - short, open and
• ʊ = u - short u, pronounced with a slight rounding of the lips.
• uː - long u pronounced without strong rounding of the lips.

Two-vowel sounds

Pronunciation of English consonants.

• p - p
• b - b
• m - m
• f - f
• v - in
• s - s
• z - z
• t - resembles the Russian sound t, pronounced with the tongue positioned at the gums.
• d - resembles the Russian sound d, pronounced with the tongue positioned at the gums.
• n - resembles the Russian sound n, pronounced with the tongue positioned at the gums.
• l - resembles the Russian sound l, pronounced with the tongue positioned at the gums.
• r is a very hard sound pronounced without vibration of the tongue. Corresponds to the sound r in the word lot
• ʃ - soft Russian sh
• ʒ - soft Russian zh, as in the word yeast.
• tʃ- h
• ʤ - similar to the Russian sound j (voiced ch)
• k - k
• h - inhale, reminiscent of a faintly pronounced x sound
• ju - long yu in the word southern
• je - sound e in the word spruce
• jɔ - sound ё in the word fir-tree
• jʌ - the sound I in the word pit
• j - resembles the Russian sound й before vowels. Occurs in combination with vowels.

English consonant sounds that have no approximate correspondence in Russianː

• w - formed with the help of rounded lips (as in whistling). It looks like a sound uttered with just lips. In translation it is denoted by the letters в or у ː W illiams - Williams, Williams.
• ƞ - Open your mouth slightly and say n without closing your mouth.
• ɵ - Move the slightly spread tip of your tongue between your teeth and pronounce Russian with
• ð - Move the slightly spread tip of your tongue between your teeth and pronounce Russian z

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Vowel sound [i:] resembles the Russian sound [ and ] in a word willow.

Vowel sound [i] resembles the short Russian sound [ and ].

Vowel sound [e] close to the Russian sound [e] in words these, tin, but not in words this, echo.

Vowel sound [æ] does not resemble any Russian sound, it can be described as “something in between the Russian sounds [e] and [a].” When pronouncing this sound, the lips are somewhat stretched, the lower jaw is lowered, the tip of the tongue touches the lower teeth, and the middle back of the tongue bends slightly forward and upward.

Vowel sound [ei] – a diphthong, the core of which is the vowel [e], and the glide occurs in the direction of the vowel [i]. When pronouncing the diphthong [ei], it is necessary to ensure that the core is not as wide as the Russian vowel [e], and the second element does not turn into the Russian sound [й].

Vowel sound [ə] is called a neutral vowel and is the result of reduction, i.e. weakening of vowels in an unstressed position. It is always unstressed and is easily influenced by neighboring sounds. Hence a number of shades of the neutral vowel. One of them coincides with the Russian final unstressed [a] in words such as room, paper. It should not resemble either [uh] or a distinct [a].

Vowel sound [a:] resembles the Russian sound [a], but the tongue moves further back and down and lies flat.

Vowel sound [u:] . When pronouncing the sound [u:], the lips are strongly rounded, but moved forward much less than when pronouncing the Russian sound [у]. The English sound [u:] is longer and more intense than the Russian sound [у].

Vowel sound [ɔ:] – long vowel. In order to correctly pronounce the sound [ɔ:], you should give the speech organs a position as when pronouncing the sound [a:], then significantly round your lips and move them forward somewhat; pronounce the sound [ɔ:], without allowing the overtone [у] in front of it, characteristic of Russian [о].

Vowel sound [ɔ] . In order to pronounce the sound [ɔ], you should proceed from the position of the speech organs when pronouncing the sound [a:], then slightly round your lips and pronounce a short sound [ɔ].

Vowel sound [u] – short monophthong. In contrast to the Russian sound [у], when pronouncing the English sound [u], the lips almost do not move forward, but they are noticeably rounded.

Vowel sound [ou] – diphthong. It begins with a vowel sound, which is a cross between the Russian sounds [o] and [e]. When pronouncing the beginning of this diphthong, the lips are slightly stretched and rounded. The glide occurs in the direction of the vowel [u].

Vowel sound [ʌ] similar to the Russian pre-stress sound [a] in words Which, posts, bass.

Vowel sound [au] – a diphthong, the core of which is the sound [a], as in the diphthong [ai], and the glide occurs in the direction of the vowel sound [u], which, however, is not clearly pronounced.

Vowel sound [ɔi] – a diphthong, the core of which is the vowel sound [ɔ], and the glide occurs in the direction of the vowel sound [i].

Vowel sound [ə:] . When pronouncing the sound [ə:], the body of the tongue is raised, the entire back of the tongue lies as flat as possible, the lips are tense and slightly stretched, slightly exposing the teeth, the distance between the jaws is small. In the Russian language there is no sound that matches the sound [ə:] or similar to it. Care must be taken not to replace the sound [ə:] with the sounds [е] or [о].

Vowel sound [iə] – diphthong. The core of the diphthong is the vowel [i], and the glide occurs in the direction of the neutral vowel, which has the connotation of the sound [ʌ].

Vowel sound [ɛə] – diphthong. The core of a diphthong is a vowel similar to the Russian sound [e] in a word This. The glide occurs in the direction of a neutral vowel with a connotation of the sound [ʌ].

Vowel sound [uə] – diphthong. The core of the diphthong is the vowel [u], the glide occurs in the direction of the neutral vowel, which has the connotation [ʌ].

Consonant sound [m] close to the Russian sound [m], but when pronouncing the English sound, the lips close more tightly than when pronouncing the Russian sound.

Consonants [p, b] similar to Russian sounds [p, b], but English sounds are pronounced with aspiration, the lips first close and then instantly open.

Consonant sound [f] is pronounced more energetically than the corresponding Russian consonant [f].

Consonant sound [v] , unlike the Russian sound [v] at the end of a word is not deafened.

Consonants [t, d] resemble Russian sounds [t, d], but before vowels they are pronounced aspirated.

Consonants [n, l, s, z] close to Russian sounds [n, l, s, z].

Consonant sound [w] similar to the Russian sound [у], but when pronouncing the English sound, the lips are more rounded and significantly moved forward.

Consonant sound [θ] has no analogue in Russian. This sound is dull. When pronouncing it, the tongue is spread out and relaxed, the tip of the tongue forms a narrow flat gap with the entire cutting edge of the upper teeth, loosely pressing against it. A stream of air passes through this gap with force. The tip of the tongue should not protrude too far beyond the upper teeth or press too tightly against the teeth (otherwise you will get [t]). The teeth should be exposed, especially the lower ones, so that the lower lip does not touch the upper teeth or come close to them (otherwise you will get [f]).

Consonant sound [ð] similar to the previous sound, when pronounced, the speech organs occupy the same position, but the sound [ð] is voiced.

Combination of sounds [pl] before a stressed vowel is pronounced together. The sound [p] is pronounced so energetically that the sound [l] is partially deafened.

Consonant sound [k] is pronounced almost the same as the Russian sound [k]. The difference is that the English sound is aspirated and sounds more distinct at the end of the word.

Consonant sound [g] It is pronounced almost the same as the Russian sound [g], but less tense, and is not stunned at the end of the word.

Consonant sound [ʃ] resembles the Russian sound [ш], but is softer. However, the sound [ʃ] should not be as soft as the Russian sound, denoted by the letter shch.

Consonant sound [ʒ] differs from the sound [ʃ] only in its sonority. The sound [ʒ] differs from the Russian sound [zh] in softness.

Consonant sound [tʃ] resembles the Russian sound [ch], but differs from it in that it is pronounced harder.

Consonant sound [ʤ] pronounced the same way as [tʃ], but only loudly, with a voice.

Combination of sounds [kl] , just like the sound combination [pl], before a stressed vowel is pronounced together, and the sound [k] is pronounced so energetically that [l] is partially deafened.

Consonant sound [h] absent in Russian. IN English it occurs only before a vowel and sounds like a light, barely audible exhalation. Unlike the Russian sound [х], the English sound [h] is formed without any participation of the language.

Consonant sound [j] resembles the Russian sound [й], however, when pronouncing the English sound [j], the middle part of the tongue rises to the sky less than with the Russian sound [й], and therefore, when pronouncing the English sound [j], less noise is heard than when pronouncing the Russian sound [ th].

Consonant sound [r] similar to Russian [r], but pronounced less sharply and loudly.

Consonant sound [ŋ] . When pronouncing a sonata [ŋ], the back of the tongue closes with the lowered soft palate, and air passes through the nasal cavity. In order to achieve the desired position of the speech organs, you can inhale through the nose with the mouth wide open, then pronounce the sound [ŋ], exhaling air through the nose.

Combination of sounds [s], [z] with sounds [θ] and [ð] . When pronouncing combinations of the sound [s] or [z] with the sound [θ] or [ð], it is necessary to ensure that there is no vowel overlap or a pause between them and at the same time maintaining the quality of each sound. If the sound [s] or [z] comes before the sound [θ] or [ð], then, without finishing pronouncing the first sound, you need to gradually move the tip of your tongue to the interdental position. If the sound [s] or [z] comes after the sound [θ] or [ð], then the tip of the tongue makes the opposite movement.

Combinations of sounds [aiə] and [auə] . These combinations are compounds of the diphthongs [ai] and [au] with the neutral vowel sound [ə]. However, the middle elements of these sound combinations are never pronounced clearly. It is necessary to ensure that the sound [j] is not heard in the middle of the sound combination [aiə], and the sound [w] is not heard in the middle of the sound combination [auə].

Combination of sounds [wə:] . When pronouncing this sound combination, you must be careful not to soften the sound [w] and not replace the sound [ə:] with Russian sounds [о] or [е].

Combination of sounds [t] and [k] with sound [w] . In order to correctly pronounce combinations with the sounds [tw] and [kw], you should pronounce the sounds [t] and [k], while simultaneously rounding your lips to pronounce the sound [w]. After a voiceless consonant, the sound [w] is muted (has a voiceless beginning).

The phonetics of the English language is so complex and interesting that we have devoted more than one article to it. Here you can find, and here you will find English words. General information is described in this article, but today we want to talk about how English sounds are pronounced correctly. 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? Primarily due to the discrepancy 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 you to master English pronunciation correctly.

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 of English words. Only pronunciation out loud 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, on how we use the organs of speech.

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

To pronounce all sounds correctly, you need to use all organs of articulation. Moreover, different sounds require different organs. For example, to pronounce voiceless consonant sounds, the vocal cords are not tense and are spread apart. But for vowels and voiced consonants, you need to tense your vocal cords and literally make them vibrate. Of course, this is not done consciously. Correct pronunciation sounds itself “turns on” certain parts of the articulatory apparatus. But for correct English pronunciation it is useful to know exactly how sounds appear.

Pronunciation of vowel sounds and their types in English

There are two types of vowel sounds in English:

1. Monophthongs- these are vowel sounds, during the pronunciation of which the articulation does not change throughout the entire period of sound. Example of a monophthong: [ɔː].
2. Diphthongs- These are vowel sounds consisting of two components. When pronouncing a diphthong, the speech organs first occupy one position to pronounce the first component, and then change position to pronounce the second component. The first component is called the diphthong nucleus 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: .

Consonant sounds are divided into a greater number of varieties:

1) Labial consonants:

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

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

2) Forelingual consonants:

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

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

kakuminal-zaalveolar, the anterior edge of the tongue is raised upward and slightly curved towards the posterior slope of the alveoli: [r].

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

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

5) Laryngeal the only consonant in English is [h].

6) Stops 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) Stops noisy consonants:

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

affricates, when the opening of the speech organs, forming a complete obstruction, occurs smoothly: , .

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

10) Nasals 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 learning English, this is an opportunity to immediately remember how to pronounce sounds in English correctly. All of them are collected in tables of English sounds with pronunciation:

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

Pronunciation of consonants in English

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

All these subtleties may seem complicated only in theory. In practice, the position of the tongue and lips is memorized after several repetitions. And the best exercises for training the pronunciation of English sounds are also practice. Listen to the speech of native speakers, high-quality audiobooks (by the way, this is an excellent one) and try to repeat the pronunciation of words.

You should always pay attention to the nuances of sound, because in learning English there are no minor details, every detail is important. But this approach will give the desired result: correct English pronunciation of sounds and words, and as a result - clear speech without an accent.

English sound I in the English language the most “ambush”, because we don't feel much difference in his pronunciation. But most beginners know that the meaning of the word depends on the correct pronunciation of this sound: ‘beach’ or ‘bitch’. Of course, very well-mannered foreigners will understand the essence of what you want to say from the context. But still, let's learn how to pronounce a long sound I: and a short sound I. Moreover, today we will be taught how to do this by a native speaker himself, the British Chris.

In the video, the guy shows a clear difference, or rather, the position of the mouth with a long and short sound.
By mastering this very important nuance, you will significantly improve your pronunciation.

The short sound ɪ is read by slightly widening the mouth.
We pronounce it briefly and quickly, without stressing the sound itself.
Similar to our Russian: Idea, Izba, imIdzh.

To pronounce the long sound i: /ee/, stretch your lips wider, as the teacher shows in the video, and, as it were, stretch the sound itself, placing emphasis on the sound. Similar to our Russian: Iva, Ira, Il.

See how the meaning of words changes just depending on how correctly we pronounce this sound.

ship - ɪ - ship
sheep - i: - sheep

this - ɪ - this
these - i: - these

bin - ɪ - peas
been - i: - was

bitch - ɪ - bitch
beach - i: - beach

Watch another video from a Canadian teacher.
We try to imitate the carrier.

At first, pronouncing the sound i: ee really causes great difficulty.
But if you figure it out and understand the essence of the technique of setting the lips and mouth, practice the exercises, then over time, everything will work out.

Beat - Beat
Heat - Hit
Sheep - Ship
Seat - Sit
Feet - Fit
Heel-Hill
Reach - Rich

Exercises for pronunciation of sound I:

1. Say the following words.

big, chin, click, clip, drink, film, fish, fix, hid, him, hint, kick, kid, king, kiss.

2. Say the following words.
What sound do these words have: long or short?

Bead, beam, bean, beat, cheap, cheese, clean, cream, each, eve, feel, feet, flea, free, meal, meet, peak, people, piece, please.

3. Say the following pairs of words.

Letter II it's not called for nothing - “AY”, that’s how it’s read, but... not always.
And the English short sound [i]- “I” is written like a printed lowercase letter for a reason i. Letter II can be read [i].
Reading the letter II in open and closed syllables and letter combinations igh:

*** The reading of English vowels is influenced by the other letters that make up the word (see). How to read a letter or combination of letters in English word, exactly show the transcription signs - icons inside square brackets.

Here are examples open syllable, after the letter i there are no other letters, and it is readable :

One letter word I always written with a capital letter and read = "AY" - this is the pronoun "I"
hi- - "hai" - hello

Closed syllable, after a vowel i there is a consonant that “closes” the vowel, making the syllable closed. Letter i read [i]:

big- "BIG" - big
pin- "PIN" - pin

But if you add a vowel at the end of such a word, for example, a silent letter e, the syllable will be open:

pine- "PINE" - pine

Vowel e at the end of such words it is not readable, but forms a second syllable. The first stressed syllable is open:

Read:

The letter combination igh reads:

h igh- high
h igh t - height
l igh t - light
n igh t - night
br igh t - bright
...
*** Remember the letter combination gh( t) - "GHS (ti)". It also occurs with other vowels, for example:

dau ght er ["dɔ:tə] - daughter
lau gh- laugh
bou ght- bought
bou gh- bitches
plou gh- (British) plow (American, plow)
borou gh[ˈbʌrə] - (small) city, ...

and [i]!!!

Have you memorized the transcription signs? ("AY") and [i]("AND") ! ?