LEU
Workshop “Phonetic Linking Aspects in Connected Speech”
In English words are not pronounced in isolation. They are linked together to produce a natural and fluent speechflow and communicate a message to the listener. Various phonetic and phonological features contribute to the fluency and naturalness of connected speech, such as rhythm, intonation, elision, contractions, weak forms, linking devices, etc. In the workshop the audience will be introduced to the main aspects of pronunciation in connected speech and will learn about particular linking devices: liaison, linking sounds and consonant clusters that serve as smooth transitions between words. Very often speakers use these devises unconsciously, however, knowing about them may help the speakers/learners better understand and discriminate the meaning of what is being said. The participants of the workshop will practise to recognize and use these devices in sentences and interactive exercises.