Linking Vowels

To create a smooth, fluid link between a word that ends in a vowel sound into a word that begins with a vowel sound, a very small y sound or w sound is added between the words, connecting one word to the next. This allows the listener to perceive both words individually, while never stopping the airflow between words.

Deciding whether to link vowels together with a y sound /j/ or a w sound /w/ will eventually come naturally to the speaker. Linking with the wrong sound will feel and sound awkward.

Compare:

	so_w_old	My car is so old.
	very_j_old	My car is very old.

Practice linking the following words with a w sound /w/:

1.		know anyone	Do you know anyone that can help translate this?
2.		value of	The value of their house fell drastically.
3.		photo album	I need to help my mom digitize her photo album.
4.		although other	Although other approaches might work, this solution is the quickest.
5.		grow up	Kids grow up so quickly!
6.		few ideas	Jared had quite a few ideas about it.
7.		to ask	Karen wanted to ask if you'd come along.
8.		show up	We expect Mark to show up around dinner time.
9.		now on	Jerry thinks he's going to (gonna) get up early from now on.
10.		go over /tomorrow afternoon	Let's go over the documents tomorrow afternoon.

Practice linking the following words with a y sound /j/:

1.		he asked	At least he asked for permission.
2.		day after	Rachel's interview is the day after tomorrow.
3.		see anyone	Did you see anyone leave through the back door?
4.		really appreciates	Mary really appreciates that you're staying late to help!
5.		naturally occurring	Many bacteria in the body are naturally occurring.
6.		enjoy each	My grandparents enjoy each other's company.
7.		try again	Let's take a break, then try again after lunch.
8.		toy in	Phoebe forgot her toy in the car.
9.		may affect	Nutrition may affect development in ways scientists haven't discovered, yet.
10.		buy energy efficient	They're going to buy energy efficient appliances.

Pronuncian Lessons

  

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