#255 The Secret to Natural British English (Linking!)
Jan 17, 2024
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In this podcast, the host discusses the importance of pronunciation in understanding natural spoken English. They focus on the concept of linking, where sounds connect between words. They provide examples of how phrases are pronounced differently in official and natural forms, and discuss the pronunciation of 'G' and 'T' sounds. The host also shares their experience in the UK countryside during Christmas and introduces the expression 'have the time of your life'. Listener feedback and support on Spotify are also discussed.
Linking is an important aspect of English pronunciation that connects consonant sounds between words, making spoken English sound more natural and different from textbook English.
Linking consonant sounds creates a smoother and more natural flow of speech, enhancing pronunciation and adding nuance to language use.
Deep dives
The importance of linking in English pronunciation
In this episode, the host discusses the importance of linking in English pronunciation. Linking refers to the way consonant sounds connect from the end of one word to the beginning of the next. This helps make spoken English sound more natural and different from textbook English. The host provides examples of linked words, such as 'not at all' becoming 'not at all' and 'an elephant' becoming 'an elephant.' Linking makes it easier to pronounce phrases and expressions, and the host also shares idioms related to linked words, like 'an elephant never forgets.' This episode is part of a series on pronunciation and highlights the significance of linking for learners of English.
Linking consonants together
In this section of the episode, the host explains how two consonant sounds can be linked together when the last letter of one word and the first letter of the next word are the same. Examples include 'feel lucky' becoming 'feel lucky' and 'big gorilla' becoming 'big gorilla.' By linking these sounds, the host emphasizes how it creates a smoother and more natural flow of speech. The host also introduces idiomatic expressions related to linked consonants, such as 'as cold as ice' and 'comparing apples and oranges.' These examples demonstrate how linking consonants enhances pronunciation and adds nuance to language use.
Additional pronunciation patterns and listener feedback
In the final segment of the episode, the host briefly mentions other pronunciation patterns involving linked vowels and suggests that these will be covered in future episodes. The host also shares listener feedback from Camille, who expresses appreciation for the podcast and its positive impact on their listening skills. The host encourages other listeners to leave reviews and comments on Spotify to support the podcast. The episode concludes with a quote highlighting the importance of taking action at the present moment. Through various examples and listener feedback, this episode reinforces the significance of linking in English pronunciation and invites engagement from the audience.
Textbook English is different from spoken English, and a big part of this comes down to pronunciation and how things are said in real conversations.
You may understand English learner material easily, but then really struggle when it comes to watching TV or movies. What I discuss in this episode may be the reason why.
This is the first part of a series I’m going to do on pronunciation, and this episode will be about something called Linking.
Linking is when a consonant sound connects from the end of one word to the beginning of the next word. Listen to find out more!