Liquids: /l/, /r/

Liquids: /l/ and /r/

Liquids are consonants characterized by a partial obstruction of airflow, allowing for a clearer release than fricatives but not as clear as vowels.

/l/

• Pronunciation: The /l/ sound is produced by raising the tip of the tongue to the alveolar ridge and creating a lateral airflow.
• Examples: “late”, “light”, “love”

/r/

• Pronunciation: The /r/ sound is produced in different ways depending on the dialect. In American English, it is often produced by curling the tip of the tongue back toward the hard palate.
• Examples: “red”, “ride”, “row”

Key points to remember:

• Partial obstruction: Liquids involve a partial obstruction of airflow.
• Lateral airflow: The /l/ sound is characterized by a lateral airflow.
• R-sound variation: The pronunciation of /r/ can vary depending on the dialect.

Practice:

• Repeat each liquid sound several times, focusing on the correct placement of the tongue.
• Try to identify the liquid sounds in words.
• Practice saying words that contain liquids.
• Syllabus for Pronunciation of English Language