Difference between revisions of "Language/French/Pronunciation/b-and-p"
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Unlike English, when you pronounce the letters 'b' and 'p' in French, little to no air should be expended from your mouth. | Unlike English, when you pronounce the letters 'b' and 'p' in French, little to no air should be expended from your mouth. | ||
In terms of phonetics, the difference in the French 'b' and 'p' and their English counterparts is one of aspiration (this is not related to the similarly named concept of 'h' aspiré below, but is a slight extra puff of air accompanies the stop). | In terms of phonetics, the difference in the French 'b' and 'p' and their English counterparts is one of aspiration (this is not related to the similarly named concept of 'h' aspiré below, but is a slight extra puff of air accompanies the stop). | ||
Fortunately, in English both aspirated and unaspirated variants (allophones) actually exist, but only in specific environments. | Fortunately, in English both aspirated and unaspirated variants (allophones) actually exist, but only in specific environments. | ||
If you're a native speaker, say the word 'pit' and then the word 'spit' out loud. Did you notice the extra puff of air in the first word that doesn't come with the second? | If you're a native speaker, say the word 'pit' and then the word 'spit' out loud. Did you notice the extra puff of air in the first word that doesn't come with the second? | ||
The 'p' in 'pit' is aspirated [pʰ]; the 'p' in 'spit' is not (like the 'p' in any position in French). | The 'p' in 'pit' is aspirated [pʰ]; the 'p' in 'spit' is not (like the 'p' in any position in French). | ||
Revision as of 13:29, 11 October 2021
Unlike English, when you pronounce the letters 'b' and 'p' in French, little to no air should be expended from your mouth.
In terms of phonetics, the difference in the French 'b' and 'p' and their English counterparts is one of aspiration (this is not related to the similarly named concept of 'h' aspiré below, but is a slight extra puff of air accompanies the stop).
Fortunately, in English both aspirated and unaspirated variants (allophones) actually exist, but only in specific environments.
If you're a native speaker, say the word 'pit' and then the word 'spit' out loud. Did you notice the extra puff of air in the first word that doesn't come with the second?
The 'p' in 'pit' is aspirated [pʰ]; the 'p' in 'spit' is not (like the 'p' in any position in French).