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
