Pronunciation and fluency

Four rules that make you sound properly French

Pronunciation is patterned. Learn four patterns and the accent improves immediately.

Interactive12 minLanguages

Four rules that make you sound properly French — illustration

Silent final consonants

Final -s, -t, -d, -x and -p are usually silent: 'petit' ends on the vowel, 'trois' has no s sound.

Liaison

That silent consonant reappears before a vowel. 'Les amis' sounds like lay-zami. Liaison is what makes fluent French sound joined up.

Nasal vowels and the French r

In -on, -an, -in the n is not pronounced; the vowel is sent through the nose. The r is made at the back of the throat, closer to a soft gargle than an English r.

Check your understanding

1. What usually happens to a final -s or -t in French?

2. What is liaison?

3. In 'bon', how is the n treated?

Your turn

Record yourself saying five sentences, then re-record applying liaison.

Luna: Only if you feel up to it — one more?

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Curriculum objectives covered

Use accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand
Use and understand the sound system of the language