Learning English letters and sounds. English sounds

Each of us opening a dictionary in English, I came across such a phenomenon as transcription - this is the recording of the sound of a letter or word in the form of special phonetic symbols. This is a very important language element and today we are exploring it with you.

The transcription belongs to phonetics. It is often found in the languages ​​of the Indo-European group. English transcription has its own characteristics, it conveys the word as it is read, and is necessary especially for beginners and for children learning a foreign language.

In English, words are not read as they are written, as can be seen in Russian or Spanish... Each word of the English language, each letter combination, each diphthong or triphthong has its own characteristics, its own reading rules. It is this function that English transcription performs - to teach children to read and speak English correctly.

We work with the dictionary correctly

In one of our articles, we have already mentioned how important it is to work with a dictionary while studying a foreign speech. This is especially important for children. The dictionary represents a word in English, its translation into Russian and the transcription of this word, that is, it shows us how it is read, and, therefore, pronounced.

Speaking of Google Translate, it gives us voice pronunciation. It's also good. Nevertheless, it is important for children to see the transcription of a word, read it aloud several times, and remember everything visually. The child himself does the phonetic work.

The voice pronunciation of the Google translator can be traced by the transcription in the dictionary, repeated after the announcer. But be sure to pay attention to the transcription signs in the dictionary! Thus, we learn to read in English and pronounce words correctly. By understanding phonetics, you can read words on your own, without assistance.

Memorizing reading rules in English

So, don't waste your phonetics and pronunciation lessons. Pay attention to the basic rules for reading English words, which have several types of syllables. But in order to understand the whole system, it is necessary to distinguish and remember only two types: open syllable and a closed syllable.

• Open syllable must end with a vowel: stone, game, like - the vowel in the word is read in the same way as in the alphabet
• Closed syllable must end with a consonant letter: cat, pen, bus - a vowel in a syllable gives a different sound, it does not correspond to the written letter.

Basically, English sounds correspond to the sounds of the Russian language, for example: [b] - [b]; [p] - [n] etc.

But there are also some differences: - [j] (joy); [∫] - [w] (shadow); - [h] (teacher).

There are also sounds that have no analogy in Russian: [θ] - think; [ð] - mother; [ŋ] - dreaming; [w] - walk.

And finally, let's move on to diphthongs. There are several of them: [əu] - [oh] (coat); [au] - [ay] (how); [ei] - [hey] (pray); [oi] - [oh] (join); [ai] - [ah] (like).

Download 9 phonetic games for fun activities

How to make friends with transcription?

We want to repeat that the English transcription will be especially useful for children and beginners. When studying English with children, or teaching it, do not forget about transcription lessons, teach children to pronunciation from an early age. It is clear that at first it will be difficult for them, for children younger age all of these icons and symbols are going to be tricky.

But do not let the child give up, cheer him up. Let your lessons introduce the kid to this phonetic phenomenon every time:

• Introduce the children to transcription and reading rules. Explain what it is and what it is for
• Show the children how the transcription icons and symbols are written, invite them to write them down for you
• Read a few transcribed English words and write them down with the children. Ask the guys to rewrite them
• Suggest some foreign words transcribed and have the children read them
• Later, working with English vocabulary, ask the guys to record not only the translation of words, but also their sound writing
• Work with the transcription in each lesson so that the children get used to it.

To make it easy and interesting for your child to comprehend sound writing, use various forms, methods and visuals in your work. All kinds of didactic games regarding phonetics, exercises will help you with this. Phonetic icons English transcription can be presented in the form of funny pictures, colorful drawings, etc. The topic is quite difficult for a child, so it is important to use the imagination to diversify the activities.

We hope that you will be able to make friends with the transcription, because it makes the English language easier and more accessible.

In the English (British) pronunciation system there are 44 sounds, which are divided into 24 consonants and 20 vowels, including 8 diphthongs. The following table lists selected English sounds and their corresponding English transcription characters, as well as examples of words in which they are pronounced.

English Sound Table:

Classification of English sounds

In accordance with the mechanics of education, English sounds are primarily divided into vowels and consonants phonemes. Vowel pronunciation is associated with active vibration vocal cords and free passage of exhaled air through all organs of speech. Consonant sounds, on the other hand, are formed by overcoming various obstacles, cracks and passages formed by the muscles of the vocal apparatus when the air jet exits.

Let us consider in more detail the classification of the sounds of the English language according to individual signs of articulation (the position of the organs of speech when pronouncing sounds) and their comparison with Russian sounds.

Consonant sounds of English

When pronouncing consonant sounds, the air on its way meets various obstacles formed by the active organs of speech: the tongue, lips, teeth and alveoli.

If the organs of speech close up so that they completely block the passage for air, then we say occlusive consonant... Such consonants are also called explosive, since when the speech organs are opened, a small explosion is heard.

[ p ] , [ b ] , [ t ] , [ d ] , [ k ] , [ g ]
occlusive plosive English sounds

[ P ], [ b ], [ T ], [ d ], [ To ], [ G ]
occlusive explosive Russian sounds

If air passes out through the nasal cavity, then such occlusive sounds are called nasal.

[ n ] , [ m ] , [ ŋ ]
nasal stop English sounds

[ n ], [ m ]
nasal occlusive Russian sounds

If the organs of speech do not close completely, but leave a narrow passage - a gap for air, then we pronounce slotted consonant.

[ θ ] , [ ð ] , [ ʃ ] , [ ʒ ] , [ s ] , [ z ] , [ h ] , [ f ] , [ v ] , [ w ] , [ r ] , [ j ] , [ l ]
slit english sounds

[ With ], [ s ], [ f ], [ v ], [ NS ], [ SCH ], [ f ], [ l ]
slit Russian sounds

Among the consonants there are occlusive-slotted sounds. They are called so because the opening of the barrier occurs slowly; the complete obstruction passes into the slit.

[ tʃ ] , [ dʒ ]
closure-slit English sounds

[ c ], [ h ]
closure-slit Russian sounds

An obstruction in the path of exhaled air can be formed by various organs of speech. If the lower lip approaches the upper lip, then appear labial consonants.

[ p ] , [ b ] , [ m ] , [ w ]
labio-labial English sounds

[ P ], [ b ], [ m ]
labial Russian sounds

If the lower lip touches the upper teeth, then such consonants are called labiodental.

[ f ] , [ v ]
labiodental English sounds

[ f ], [ v ]
labiodental Russian sounds

If the tip of the tongue is between the lower and upper front teeth, then pronounce interdental consonant. There are no such sounds in Russian.

[ θ ] , [ ð ]
interdental english sounds

Russian consonants [ T ], [ d ], [ n ], [ l ] - dental as the end of the tongue rises to the inner surface of the upper teeth. English consonants [ t ] , [ d ] , [ n ] , [ l ] , [ ŋ ] - alveolar, as the tip of the tongue touches or rises to the alveoli.

[ k ] , [ p ] , [ s ] , [ t ] , [ f ] , [ h ] , [ tʃ ] , [ ʃ ] , [ θ ]
voiceless consonants of English

[ To ], [ P ], [ With ], [ T ], [ f ], [ X ], [ h ], [ NS ], [ SCH ]
voiceless consonants of the Russian language

[ b ] , [ v ] , [ g ] , [ d ] , [ z ] , [ l ] , [ m ] , [ n ] , [ r ] , [ ʒ ] , [ dʒ ] , [ ð ]
voiced consonants of English

[ b ], [ v ], [ G ], [ d ], [ f ], [ s ], [ l ], [ m ], [ n ], [ R ], [ c ]
voiced consonants of the Russian language

English vowel sounds

To classify the vowels of English sounds, various positions of the tongue relative to the hard palate are considered, as well as which part of the tongue is involved in articulation and how high the back of the tongue rises to the hard palate.

Distinguish front vowel sounds, when the tip of the tongue rests against the base of the lower teeth, and the back of the tongue comes close enough to the hard palate: English vowel [ i:] and Russian [ and ].

If the tongue is pulled back and the tip of the tongue is lowered, and the back of the tongue is raised to the soft palate, we say back vowel sounds: English sound [ a:] and Russian sounds [ O ], [ at ].

They are distinguished by the position of the lips ruined and unbroken vowel sounds. For example, when pronouncing the Russian sound [ at] lips are rounded and pushed forward: [ at] is a rounded vowel. When pronouncing [ and] lips are slightly stretched, but not pushed forward: sound [ and] is an uncorrupted vowel.

The quality of the vowel depends on the tension of the muscles of the speech organs: the more intense the articulation, the clearer and brighter the sound. Vowels are distinguished accordingly tense and relaxed... For example, the English vowel sound [ i:] is pronounced with more tension than [ i ] .

Pronunciation of English sounds

Referring to the content of our English Phonetics Handbook, for each of the English sounds you will find detailed description features of its pronunciation and articulation, methods of transmission in writing and examples of sound, as well as comparisons with other sounds and their Russian counterparts.

There are 26 letters in English. In different combinations and positions, they represent 44 sounds.
In English, 24 consonants are distinguished, and they are transmitted in writing by 20 letters: Bb; Cc; Dd; Ff; Gg; Hh; Jj; Kk; LI; Mm; Nn; Pp; Qq; Rr; Ss; Tt; Vv; Ww; Xx; Zz.
In English, 12 vowel sounds and 8 diphthongs are distinguished, and they are transmitted in writing by 6 letters: Aa; Ee; li; Oo; Uu; Yy.

Video:

[English language. Initial course... Maria Rarenko. First educational channel.]

Transcription and stress

Phonetic transcription is international system icons to show you exactly how to pronounce the words. Each sound is displayed with a separate icon. These icons are always written in square brackets.
In transcription, verbal stress is indicated (which syllable in the word is stressed). Accent mark [‘] put before the stressed syllable.

English consonants

Features of English consonants
1. English consonants conveyed by letters b, f, g, m, s, v, z, are similar in pronunciation to the corresponding Russian consonants, but should sound more energetic and tense.
2. English consonants are not softened.
3. Voiced consonants are never stunned - neither before voiceless consonants, nor at the end of a word.
4. Double consonants, that is, two identical consonants side by side, are always pronounced as one sound.
5. Some English consonants are aspirated: the tip of the tongue must be pressed firmly against the alveoli (the bumps where the teeth attach to the gums). Then the air between the tongue and teeth will pass with effort, and you will get a noise (explosion), that is, aspiration.

Rules for reading consonants in English:,

English vowel sounds

The reading of each vowel depends on:
1. from other letters standing next to, in front of her or behind her;
2. from being in a shock or unstressed position.

Rules for reading vowels in English:,

Comprehension of any foreign language starts by learning the alphabet.

The letters of the English alphabet are inextricably linked, in

different variations form different sounds, pronounced differently.

Thanks to this, there are much more sounds than symbols in the alphabet.

The name of the element of the alphabet differs from the sound. Having learned them with

Curious features of the English alphabet

English is considered the world language. Residents of many countries communicate on it

the globe. Most of the characters have moved from the Latin alphabet. Besides,

the sounds and letters of the English language differ in a number of interesting facts.

• Every few hours foreign dictionary replenished with a new word.
• According to statistics, every sixth person on Earth uses this language as a spoken language.
• V English words there is a vowel symbol in every part, but not in every consonant.
• The letter "y" refers to both vowels and consonants.
• The most commonly used character is "e".
• Small uppercase characters did not appear until the fifties.
• Most words start with "s".
• Until the fifteenth century, there was no punctuation in English.
• Dots above "i", "j" in English symbolize a droplet.

English alphabet: symbols and sounds

The ABC is the basis of any speech. Those who study a foreign language need

not only visually represent symbols, write them, but also be able to

to pronounce the sounds that they form. Pronounce them correctly

transcription will help.

The picture shows all the English characters. In yellow

vowel sounds of the English language are indicated. In blue,

accordingly, consonants.

Consonants make only one sound besides "x". She is characterized by

the formation of two sounds: "x", "ks". There are letters that are in American and

British language variations form sounds. For example: "z" in the first

the case sounds like "zi", in the second "zet".

English letters set with transcription and sound

Where to start mastering a foreign language alphabet, how to remember english letters

To make it easier to remember visually and sound, there are various

songs, poems, during which the elements and their

pronunciation.

Uppercase letters of the English alphabet

There are several options for uppercase characters. Linguists

Pay attention to the classic version of the image of symbols. He

shown in the picture.

To date, the image of the first element has been changed. Title

"A" is spelled the same as small.

Transcription

Transcription is an explanation of how characters are pronounced, what sounds

give English letters. It is a set of characters that conveys

sounding. Written in Russian, it does not provide an opportunity without an accent

to pronounce the elements of the English-language alphabet. Many letters make a sound

similar to the Russian-speaking, many radically different.

The table shows the sound of the vowels.

Pronunciation of consonants by analogy with Russian.

Transcription of english letters

The number of sounds exceeds the number of letters. Therefore for

pronunciations of some of them combine several letters. To

to correctly pronounce the letters and sounds of the English alphabet is attracted

transcription. This is a kit designed for

decoding the sound of symbols.

Much attention in foreign language is paid to the length of vowels.

Stretching is symbolized by a colon icon. In transcription

arrows indicate the intonation with which certain

phrases. The upward arrow symbolizes the rise

intonation. It is typical for interrogative statements. Arrow,

depicted from top to bottom, symbolizes the decline in intonation. It is characteristic

negative and narrative statements.

Reading rules

The combinations of sounds in Russian words are different from those in English. Rules

reading is largely determined by the type of syllable. Same letters

pronounced differently.

Sound criteria

• You can reproduce the sound that the elements "d", "t" give with a deep breath.
• The ending of a phrase in the form of a consonant does not muffle their sound.
• In the closed parts of the word, sounds are pronounced shortened.
• The sounds of the open parts should be read melodiously and lingeringly.
• The English "r" following the vowels is not spoken.
• Diphthongs - combinations of several letters to indicate the reading of one sound do not lend themselves to general criteria.

Their sound must be remembered.

The English alphabet is different from the Russian one. She has less

characters. To study the phonetic meaning, it is intended

transcription.

It contains symbols that apply to both vowels and

consonants, or form several sounds. However, not in vain in English

every sixth inhabitant on Earth speaks. Nothing hard to learn

there is no pronunciation if you read the rules.

Phonetics is the section that studies sounds. Its main goal is to teach you how to pronounce English sounds and words correctly, as well as to develop your ability to comprehend speech of native speakers. Therefore, in order to learn to speak and read correctly in English, you need to know the English alphabet and learn the pronunciation of individual phonemes and words in which they are used. English Phonetics English is built on the Latin alphabet, has only 26 letters (instead of the 33 we are used to), but almost twice as many sounds are superimposed on these familiar letters, namely 46 different phonemes. English sounds are very important for learners of this language, so you need to understand how they are used in speech and for what.

As stated above, distinctive feature English is a huge number of sounds that do not correspond to the number of letters available. That is, one letter can convey several phonemes, depending on the letters that are next to each other. Based on this, it is necessary to speak very carefully and accurately. Misuse of a particular sound leads to misunderstandings.

For example, the word "Bed") and the word "Bad" are pronounced and spelled almost the same, so it is easy enough to get confused in them. At this stage of learning English, many begin to transcribe pronunciation in Russian in order to facilitate the memorization process.

However, this "relief" is very misleading, as it often leads to even more confusion between words with similar pronunciation. After all, both words "bed" and "bad" in Russian can be transcribed exclusively as "Bad" not displaying the duality of sound in any way. Therefore, it is better to learn sounds in isolation.

Learning the phonetics of the English language will undoubtedly bring some clarity to the pronunciation and mastery of all phrases and words that will come across on your way during training.

First of all, you should create a dictionary in which you will designate all sounds in traditional transcription, and after that, next to them - their sound version in native language.
Special cases pronunciation should also be indicated, indicated that this word needs to be pronounced in a special way or written down, which is impossible to bring an analogy to the Russian sound. London - London For convenience, it is better to divide phonemes into groups. For example, consonants, vowels, diphthongs, and triphthongs. You also need to constantly practice and perform exercises of this type:

The main city of Great Britain is London. London - ["lʌndən]- 6 letters, 6 sounds. Let's find it on the map of England. Where is it? Then, let's ask our friend: How do you write it? How do you spell it? Now spell this name - Spell this name for us:

- London - [Landen]

Thus, you will practice not only pronunciation of sounds, but also learn useful words and phrases in foreign language.

And now let's move on directly to their writing and pronunciation.

Sounds of English

Let's get acquainted with brief description all sounds using this table

• Doubled vowels are read as one sound: moon - - [moon] or bitter - ["bitǝ] - [bit]
• Voiced consonants in English, unlike Russian, do not turn into voiceless: in the word good [gud] the sound [d] is pronounced clearly, as well as [g] in dog [dog] etc.

The meaning of correct pronunciation

As I said, it is very important and imperative to improve your English pronunciation, because a large number of words in this language differ by only one or two sounds. But sometimes, even such a small difference is critical for correct and accurate contact with the primary native speakers. Pronunciation Once again, I repeat that some words that have approximately similar sounding, you need to write down, memorize their spelling and learn their pronunciation. For better mastering and ease of learning, you can create phrases and sentences with them, constantly pronounce them.