English Language Writing Skills

By Danso Kwasi Nti Samuel (DAS). Study the complete course source, examine every model and practise alongside Professor Jarvis.

Course printed page 20 PDF page 26 of 505

For tables, matching columns, IPA and original formatting, open the course PDF above.

2. Within a Sentence, Following a Stressed Syllable:

  "The kite is high."

     ü The /k/ in "kite" is aspirated, heard as [kʰaɪt].

But if the word "kite" follows a strong syllable like in "big kite," the aspiration is less

pronounced in connected speech.

3. After a Voiceless Consonant in Consonant Clusters:

 "Spot the difference."

     ü The /p/ in "spot" might have a very light or no aspiration because it follows the /s/

         sound. The word is heard as [spɒt].

 "Train the dog."

     ü The /t/ in "train" is often aspirated, heard as [tʰreɪn].

4. In Fast or Casual Speech:

Aspiration might be reduced in fast or casual speech, especially in unstressed syllables or

words:

 "He's top of the class."

     ü The /t/ in "top" is less aspirated compared to when "top" is said in isolation.

 - Unaspirated: Stop it! (The /t/ in stop is less pronounced when followed by the /i/ in it.)

Unaspirated Plosives in Connected Speech

Unaspirated plosives are sounds produced by completely blocking the airflow in the vocal

tract and then releasing it with little to no burst of air. Unaspirated plosives are consonant

sounds produced with minimal or no burst of air following the release of the plosive. In

English, the plosives /p/, /t/, and /k/ are often unaspirated in specific contexts,

distinguishing them from their aspirated counterparts.