Tools for Clear Speech

Another common phenomenon in connected speech is assimilation: when two sounds become more similar to one another because they are spoken consecutively. This process makes it easier to pronounce combinations of sounds, which helps build your fluency.

One common type of assimilation occurs in the example below. Focus on the two words “could” and “you.”

You probably noticed that the /d/ sound in “could” and the /y/ sound in “yet” combined to make a /dʒ/ sound (“Coujoo”). This is because of a type of assimilation called palatalization. This happens with other sounds and sound combinations, too. When a word ending in a /d/, /z/, or /dz/ sound is followed by a word beginning with the /y/ sound, the two sounds assimilate and palatalization occurs. Below are some rules to help you visualize this:

/d/ + /y/ = /dʒ/ Would you like to come in?

/dz/ + /y/ = /dʒ/ Here are the records your friend wants.

/z/ + /y/ = /ʒ/ Is your train on time?

Here are some additional examples of this type of assimilation. Listen to them, paying attention to the sounds that palatalize.

Practice 1

To practice recognizing palatalization, listen to each of the recordings below, and write down what you hear. Then, click the answer button to see if what you wrote matches what the speaker said.

Click here for the answers
1. Where did you get that?
2. I read your paper.
3. Could you move, please?

 
The palatalization patterns above have voiceless counterparts, as well. When a word ending in a /t/, /s/, or /ts/ sound is followed by a word beginning with the /y/ sound, the two sounds assimilate.

/t/ + /y/ = /tʃ/ I’ll beat you there!

/ts/ + /y/ = /tʃ/ When she meets you, she’ll love you.

/s/ + /y/ = /ʃ/ You need to face your fears.

Here are some additional examples of these palatalization patterns. Listen to them, paying attention to the sounds that palatalize.

/ts/ + /y/ = /tʃ/	What’s your name?
/ts/ + /y/ = /tʃ/	It’s your lucky day.
/ts/ + /y/ = /tʃ/	I’m sorry this hurts you.
/t/ + /y/ = /tʃ/	Isn’t that your friend?
/t/ + /y/ = /tʃ/	I met you yesterday.
/s/ + /y/ = /ʃ/	I hope you pass your class.
/s/ + /y/ = /ʃ/	Don’t miss your train!

Practice 2

To practice recognizing palatalization, listen to each of the recordings below, and write down what you hear. Then, click the answer button to see if what you wrote matches what the speaker said.

Click here for the answers
1. That’s your notebook, right?
2. How about you?
3. What’s your WiFi password?

 
Here are some common phrases and questions with palatalization. Listen to each, then practice and record yourself.

Could you do me a favor?
How’s your family?
What did you do yesterday?
How did you do that?
I’m going to miss you.
When did you get here?
What’s your number?
What’s your class schedule?
I’ve heard a lot about you.
What (are) you doing? The “are” is sometimes dropped first, due to reduced speech.

Practice 3

Listen to the dialogue between Jessie and Siqi talking about their Fall class schedules. You can listen as many times as you want. Write down exactly what they say, using the correct spelling of all the words. Then, underline places where palatalization occurs.

1. Jessie:

   Siqi:

   Jessie:

   Siqi:

   Jessie:

   Siqi:

   Jessie:

   Click here for the answers
   Jessie: So, what are you taking this Fall?

   Siqi: Well, the management class I wanted filled up, so I guess I need an elective. What about you?

   Jessie: A lot of classes. But you should take Stats.

   Siqi: Who did you take it with?

   Jessie: Ramirez. I think I told you about her before.

   Siqi: Did you like her?

   Jessie: Yeah, she’s a great teacher.