Elision
Elision
Elision is a phonological process in which a sound is omitted or deleted in spoken language. It is a common phenomenon in many languages, including English.
Reasons for elision:
- Ease of articulation: Elision can make words easier to pronounce by reducing the number of syllables or sounds.
- Rhythm and fluency: Elision can help to create a more natural and fluent rhythm in spoken language.
- Dialectal variation: Elision can vary depending on the dialect or regional variety of a language.
Examples of elision in English:
- Omission of /t/: “want to” → “wanna”
- Omission of /d/: “should have” → “should’ve”
- Omission of /h/: “have a” → “’ave a”
- Omission of /l/: “talk to” → “talk to”
Elision can affect the pronunciation of words and can make them more difficult to understand for non-native speakers. However, it is a natural part of spoken language and is often used by native speakers.
Understanding elision is important for learning English pronunciation and for improving communication skills. By being aware of elision patterns, learners can avoid common pronunciation errors and produce more natural-sounding English.
